Published on: October 15, 2025, 11:18 AM.
Updated on: October 15, 2025, 11:24 AM.
- West Virginia stands as the sole state hosting live greyhound racing
- A proposed federal legislation aims to ban dog racing nationwide
West Virginia is the only remaining state in the U.S. where live greyhound racing takes place. A federal bill introduced in August could compel the state to terminate its dog racing activities. Local officials hold diverse views regarding the potential repercussions of such a measure.
The 2007 gaming regulations in West Virginia stipulate that casino slot machines and table games can only operate at state-approved horse or greyhound racetracks where live racing still occurs. The only exception is the Casino Club at The Greenbrier, which is the sole venue with a non-racing gaming license.
House Resolution 5017, introduced by Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA) and supported by 15 bipartisan co-sponsors, seeks to dismantle West Virginia’s greyhound racing industry. Some state officials warn of significant negative effects this would have on the local economy.
These are specialized economic and job opportunities directly connected to the racing industry which would vanish overnight if racing is eliminated,” stated West Virginia Delegate Shawn Fluharty (D-Ohio) in an interview with West Virginia Watch, a nonpartisan news organization. “Moreover, the owners and trainers of these hounds are residents of West Virginia. They operate businesses and create jobs in our local communities.”
Fluharty is recognized as a pivotal figure in the state legislature concerning the national gaming landscape, as he leads the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States.
Is Greyhound Abuse Exaggerated?
Currently, HR5017 is pending in the House Agriculture Committee, where it was placed in August. Notably, no representative from West Virginia has endorsed this legislation.
Advocates for the prohibition of greyhound racing argue that it is essential to prevent the mistreatment of these animals. However, some West Virginians contend that these welfare concerns are overstated.
The beliefs about abuse and neglect are just fabrications. I encourage people to ‘Trust your own observations over the rumors,’” asserted Steve Sarras, a prominent greyhound breeder in the state.
Sarras informed West Virginia Watch that all racing dogs must undergo regular health checks by licensed veterinarians.
“Abuse and neglect are not tolerated,” Sarras insisted, noting that greyhounds in West Virginia are “well cared for, fit, and thriving.”
Critics argue that greyhounds are confined for most of their racing lives in cages. GREY2K, an organization advocating for an end to greyhound racing, claims that racing dogs often spend 20 to 23 hours a day in confinement, are administered stimulants, including cocaine, are subjected to cruelty, and frequently sustain injuries or fatalities.
Carey Theil, the Executive Director of GREY2K, expressed that West Virginia legislators could easily modify the state’s gaming laws to eliminate the requirement for live racing and redirect the $15 million to $17 million in greyhound racing subsidies generated by casinos “to other uses.”
Casino Revenue in West Virginia
In 2024, the combined gross gaming revenue from the five casinos, alongside online sports betting and iGaming, reached an impressive $878.8 million — marking the state’s highest revenue since 2012. Much of this record revenue surge stemmed from online operations.
Online gaming in West Virginia surged by 57%, amounting to $246.5 million, while online sports betting increased by over 16% to $55.4 million. Conversely, in-person casino revenue dipped by 3.5%, recording $576.9 million.