Introduction
Dog racing has a long history in the tri-state area, dating back to the early 20th century. The first dog track opened in Florida in the 1920s, sparking the spread of greyhound racing across the Southeast. By 1931, Florida became the first state to legalize betting on dog races.Greyhound Racing in Florida | GREY2K USA Worldwide In the following decades, tracks popped up in West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas and other nearby states. Thousands flocked to tri-state tracks to watch the fast-paced races and try their luck at betting. At its peak popularity, there were dozens of active dog tracks in the region.
However, dog racing has declined over the past few decades due to both controversy around treatment of the dogs and competition from other forms of gambling. Many tracks have closed, though some still operate in West Virginia and Florida. While the future is uncertain, dog racing retains an important place in tri-state history and culture.
Major Dog Racing Tracks
There are currently three major dog racing tracks operating in the tri-state area of West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky:
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack
Located in Wheeling, West Virginia, Wheeling Island is one of the oldest greyhound racing tracks in the United States, having opened in 1866 (Off Track Betting). It features a 5/8-mile racetrack and races year-round, 5 days a week. Wheeling Island offers live racing as well as simulcast racing from other tracks. The facility includes a 153-room hotel, casino, and restaurants (TrackInfo).
Southland Casino Racing
Southland Park Gaming and Racing in West Memphis, Arkansas has been hosting live greyhound racing since 1956. In 2006, it was renovated with a 64,000 square foot casino and renamed Southland Casino Racing. It continues to run year-round live racing as well as simulcast wagering. Southland has over 2,500 gaming machines and spacious event facilities (Grey2kUSA).
Tri-State Greyhound Park
Located in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, Tri-State Greyhound Park opened in 1994. It features a 5/16-mile racetrack and races year-round. Tri-State offers full-service live racing as well as simulcast wagering. The facility includes a casino, restaurants, hotel, and event space (Off Track Betting).
Upcoming Races
The Tri-State Greyhound Park in Cross Lanes, West Virginia hosts live greyhound racing year-round. According to their racing schedule, there are races scheduled every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evening starting at 7:30 PM. Some key upcoming race dates to watch include the $25,000 Classic on March 3rd and the $50,000 Gold Cup on March 24th.
These stake races feature the top greyhounds from around the region competing for large prize purses. The Classic and Gold Cup tend to attract the fastest dogs and most skilled trainers vying for glory. Fans can watch qualifying trials in the weeks leading up to the big events to get a sense of which dogs to watch.
Some other major races on the calendar include the $25,000 Escape on May 12th, the $25,000 Juvenile on July 7th for young promising pups, and the $50,000 Fall Classic on October 5th.
The Tri-State track provides year-round racing action for greyhound enthusiasts. Check their schedule for upcoming qualifying and stakes races featuring the region’s top dogs.
Top Dogs to Watch
Some of the top dogs to keep an eye on this racing season at Tri-State Greyhound Park include Flying Neutron, WW’s Ollie, and California Chrome. Flying Neutron, trained by Neutron Kennels, is a young dog bursting with potential. He has blazing early speed and has been impressive in recent schooling races. WW’s Ollie is a seasoned veteran conditioned by Howard Walls. He’s closing in on his 100th career win and has been a model of consistency. And California Chrome, from the powerful Lester Raines Kennel, looks to get his career back on track after being sidelined with injuries last season. These are just a few of the talented dogs ready to chase glory at Tri-State.
Some top kennels to keep an eye on are Lester Raines Kennels and Neutron Kennels. Lester Raines has been a force at Tri-State for decades. They consistently churn out winners and champions. Neutron Kennels is a relative newcomer making waves with their strong young roster of dogs. Howard Walls Kennels is another established presence at the track, known for their tactical savvy and winning tradition. These kennels will be vying for top honors all season long at Tri-State.
Betting Basics
Betting on dog racing is relatively straightforward. There are a few basic wager types you need to know:
- Win – Pick the dog you think will finish 1st. This is the simplest wager.
- Place – Pick the dog you think will finish 1st or 2nd. This increases your chances of winning but pays less than a Win bet.
- Show – Pick the dog you think will finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. This further increases your chances of winning but pays even less than a Place bet.
- Across the Board – Place equal Win, Place, and Show bets on one dog. This covers all 3 finish positions.
- Exacta – Pick the 1st and 2nd place finishers in exact order. Pays well but is challenging to predict.
- Trifecta – Pick the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in exact order. Hard to pick correctly but pays out handsomely.
You can place these wagers at the betting windows at dog tracks, via online racebooks, or on dog racing betting apps. The minimum bet is usually $2. Payouts vary based on how much is bet on each dog.
Betting Strategy
To consistently win money when betting on dog races requires having a sound strategy and approach. Here are some of the most effective strategies to consider:
Hedging your bets involves placing multiple bets on different dogs in the same race. This way, if your top pick doesn’t win, you can still profit if one of your other bets comes in first or places. While you may win less on each individual bet, hedging reduces your overall risk.1
Arbitrage betting takes advantage of the differences between betting odds at multiple sportsbooks. If you can find different odds for the same dog at different bookmakers, you can bet on all outcomes so that you end up with a profit no matter who wins. This advanced strategy requires thoroughly researching odds and calculating the math.1
Finding a dog that is undervalued or overlooked by the public and betting on it to win can lead to big payouts. Pay attention to factors like the dog’s past performances, running style, and statistics to determine if the betting odds accurately reflect its chances of winning.1
Controversies
Dog racing has faced significant controversy and criticism from animal welfare organizations like the ASPCA and PETA. One of the biggest concerns is the injuries and deaths that racing dogs routinely sustain while competing at high speeds around the track. According to the ASPCA, common injuries include severed toes, broken legs, spinal cord paralysis, broken necks, and even cardiac arrest [1]. PETA reports that over 15,000 injuries have been documented, including broken bones and head trauma [2]. The HSUS notes that a racing greyhound dies every three days on average at Florida tracks alone [3].
Many critics view greyhound racing as an inherently cruel sport that exploits dogs for profit and entertainment. They argue that the dogs are confined for long periods and may be subject to harsh training and racing practices. Some dogs are euthanized when they are deemed too slow to win races. There are also concerns about what happens to dogs when they retire from racing.
Proponents argue racing is well-regulated and injuries are rare. They note that dogs love to run and racing allows them to express natural instincts. However, animal welfare groups counter that competitions should never compromise a dog’s health or well-being.
Future of Dog Racing
The future of greyhound racing has become increasingly uncertain in recent years. While the sport was once popular and profitable, it has faced growing opposition from animal welfare advocates as well as declining interest from the public.
In 2021, a bill was introduced in the legislature aimed at ending dog racing in the state, but it did not gain enough support to pass (Source). However, legislators have reintroduced a similar bill in 2023 that would outlaw remote gambling on greyhound races and prohibit the transport and sale of greyhounds for racing purposes across state lines (Source). State officials remain determined to keep the sport legal for now, but the bill signals growing opposition.
Nationwide, the number of operational greyhound tracks has declined from 89 in 1991 to just 19 today. As tracks continue to close, the future viability of commercial dog racing looks bleak. Industry revenues dropped 70% between 2001 and 2014. With younger generations showing little interest in greyhound racing as a spectator sport, the trend is expected to continue.
While some argue dog racing is part of state history and provides important local tax revenue and jobs, others believe the harm done to dogs exploited for racing cannot be justified. Continued pressure from animal welfare groups could eventually lead more states to ban commercial dog racing in coming years. Though the practice remains legal in [STATE NAME], its days appear numbered.
Getting Involved
There are various ways for dog enthusiasts to get involved with greyhound racing, whether as spectators, volunteers, or adopters of retired racers. According to the Greyhound Racing Association, attending races in person is an exciting way to experience the sport firsthand. Many tracks allow spectators to watch races from the grandstands or trackside apron. Some facilities offer behind-the-scenes tours and opportunities to meet top racing dogs and kennel operators.
Volunteering is another way to support greyhound racing. Local tracks often look for help with race operations, facility maintenance, concessions, and caring for retired racers. Volunteering provides hands-on experience and allows people to meet others who share a passion for the sport. Major greyhound adoption groups like Greyhound Pets of America rely on volunteers to foster dogs, assist with meet and greets, transport retired racers, and more.
Many racing enthusiasts end up adopting retired racers as pets. According to the Humane Society, greyhounds make excellent companions due to their mild temperament and love of human interaction. Adopting a former racer allows people to provide a loving home to dogs who can no longer compete on the track.
Conclusion
Dog racing has a long and controversial history in the tri-state area. While major tracks like Wheeling Island in West Virginia and Derby Lane in Florida continue operations, many have closed down due to declining interest and ethical concerns.
For those who still enjoy the sport, upcoming races provide exciting opportunities to see top dogs compete. Careful betting research and strategy gives you the best chance to win, though nothing is guaranteed in this high-risk, high-reward pastime.
The future of dog racing remains uncertain. While some advocate for reforms and tighter regulations, others call for a complete ban of the sport. If you feel strongly either way, look for advocacy groups where you can get involved and make your voice heard.
In closing, dog racing in the tri-state area has a complex history intertwined with gambling, entertainment, and animal welfare. Whether you love going to the track or dislike the industry’s practices, it’s worth understanding all sides of this controversial issue.