Lotus Asia Oregon dog racing ban – Lotus Asia: Oregon’s Dog Racing Ban
Lotus Asia Oregon dog racing ban – Lotus Asia Discusses Oregon's Ban on Dog Racing and Betting
- Oregon closes ADW loophole by banning greyhound bets
- Animal welfare concerns drive legislative action
- Economic implications for state’s racing industry
Lotus Asia Oregon dog racing ban at Lotus Asia. Lotus Asia investigates the recent Oregon legislation banning bets on dog racing and closing the advance-deposit wagering loophole
Oregon is one of only two ADW hubs in the United States, alongside North Dakota, allowing its licensees to take online bets for both dog and horse racing. Most online bets on dog races nationally are processed through Oregon, facilitated by companies like AmWest Entertainment, TwinSpires, and Xpressbet.
House Bill 3020, passed by the Senate with a vote of 16-12, effectively prevents Oregon’s ADWs from managing bets on greyhound races, a move that is expected to negatively impact these operators financially.
Knock-on Effects
This ban could also adversely affect the horse racing industry in Oregon, as the Oregon Racing Commission (ORC) depends on ADW wagering for up to 75{6993caa5fb1aab1de46f5b43a835411dda8badf3aa9c6b754938f587e1f52746} of its funding. Although greyhound racing bets comprise less than 2{6993caa5fb1aab1de46f5b43a835411dda8badf3aa9c6b754938f587e1f52746} of total bets, the loss might spur ADW operators to relocate to North Dakota.
Nevertheless, the urgency of animal welfare issues has outweighed those economic concerns. The bill was filed upon request from Governor Kotek, and has received backing from the ORC.
Reports indicate that in 2023 alone, over 10,542 greyhounds suffered injuries at racetracks associated with the Oregon ADW hub system, according to the ORC. This legislative change represents a major achievement for greyhound protection advocates, marking the most substantial victory since Florida ceased dog racing in 2018, essentially banning the majority of internet betting on dog racing across the country.
“The walls are closing in on the last remnants of greyhound racing in America,” said Carey Theil, Executive Director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, an advocacy group focused on greyhound protection.
Diminishing Sport
Between 2021 and 2023, betting on greyhound races via the Oregon ADW system saw a notable reduction of 38{6993caa5fb1aab1de46f5b43a835411dda8badf3aa9c6b754938f587e1f52746}. Furthermore, three Oregon-licensed ADWs pulled greyhound wagering entirely since the ban in 2022.
In recent years, several states — including Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire — have outlawed betting on dog racing, resulting in it now being illegal in 43 states, with only two tracks remaining operational in West Virginia. The Delaware North company, which operates these two sites, has expressed a desire to discontinue greyhound racing as it holds minimal profitability, yet is required to maintain it for compliance with casino license agreements.
In 2022, Delaware North advocated for legislation permitting them to operate casinos without having to conduct racing.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon’s recent legislation impacts the future of dog racing and wagering.
- Animal welfare concerns lead state measures prioritizing dog safety.
- The ban might affect the funding model of horse racing within Oregon.
- The diminishing interest in greyhound racing reflects a nationwide trend towards animal welfare.
This significant regulatory shift illustrates the increasing focus on animal welfare in the gaming landscape, ultimately reshaping how betting on dog races is perceived and conducted in Oregon and beyond.
