Southland's Track Closing Marks Near End For Dog Racing (2024)

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Larry Henry

Southland's Track Closing Marks Near End For Dog Racing (2)Larry Henry

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Larry Henry is a veteran print and broadcast reporter and editor who has been a political editor at the Las Vegas Sun and managing editor at KFSM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Northwest Arkansas. Larry also has experience with media outlets in other states with gaming, including Tennessee and Louisiana.

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After more than 60 years of live dog racing at Southland Casino Hotel in Arkansas, the final race concluded Saturday on New Year’s Eve.

In the last race ever at the West Memphis track, Smile N Mean It came from fourth place on the backstretch to sprint past Bodacious at the finish line. Smile N Mean It’s win paid $35.40. Glasgow Kiss finished third.

Though the dog track is closed at Southland, the casino and hotel will remain open.

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Nationwide Track Closings

The greyhound track’s closing in Arkansas on the final day of 2022signaled a near end nationwide to what once had been a thriving industry.

Other recent track closings also have occurred across the country.

In May, the Iowa Greyhound Park at Dubuque closed after its final race, putting an end to dog racing in that state. Two years ago, a dozen dog tracks were shut down in Florida as the result of a voter initiative.

These closures leave West Virginia as the last state where bettors can wager in person on legal dog racing. The West Virginia tracks are in Wheeling and near Charleston.

Greyhound Racing Once Flourished

In places such as Tucson in 1909 and Houston in 1912 a mechanical rabbit was introduced for dogs to chase in competitions, but malfunctions created problems.

By 1919, the mechanical rabbit was improved and installed in Emeryville, California, at what is regarded as the "first proper greyhound track,” according to the Paris Review.

Over time, dog racing gained in popularity, reaching a peak in the 1980s with more than 50 tracks in 19 states, the Associated Press reported.

A decline in popularity began with the nationwide expansion of commercial casino gaming — and iGaming options such as online slots — and with increased pressure from animal rights advocates.

Racing fans contend greyhounds enjoy running, and, after retiring from competition, are adopted into loving households. Opponents argue the dogs are cooped up in cages and injured during races.

Revenue from wagering on dog racing fell from $3.5 billion in 1991 to $500 million in 2014, according to the Associated Press.

Racing's Demise Prompts Mixed Reactions

In the weeks leading up the final “GREYT” race in Arkansas on Dec. 31, Southland held several promotions.

These promotions included a “Track Sand Keepsake Giveaway” and a bologna sandwich special on Friday nights in December. On the final day, guests could take advantage of a commemorative T-shirt giveaway and a $10 burger/hot dog, popcorn and drink special.

On Southland’s website, some fans applauded the end of dog racing. Others were disappointed.

A Facebook user identified as Bailey-Bradley Merritt wrote, “I have quite literally seen them euthanize a dog for only a broken leg that he acquired during a race. This is a good thing.”

“Now the dogs can rest and live longer,” wrote Ray Mott.

Facebook user Patricia Tira was unhappy about the track closure.

“Shame on you Southland,” she wrote. “This does nothing but hurt the dogs, the breed and the countless good people who cared for them. I’ve witnessed their lives first hand from birth to retirement, and pet dogs would be lucky to have been treated this well.”

“Sad day,” wrote Russell St. John. “Spent many nights and a couple fortunes at the track.”

What’s Next At Southland?

With the track closed, Delaware North, the Buffalo, New York-based company that owns Southland, is contemplating future uses for the site.

“We are planning to develop a strategic plan to identify potential new entertainment amenities to add at Southland,” Glen White, corporate communications director, told Gambling.com.

Southland recently underwent a $320 million expansion, including completion of a 20-story hotel and a 113,000-square-foot gaming floor with 2,400 slot machines 50 live table games.

The casino also has an on-site sportsbook and last year introduced a Betly Sportsbook app for sports betting within Arkansas' borders.

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Article By

Larry Henry

Southland's Track Closing Marks Near End For Dog Racing (20)Larry Henry

Southland's Track Closing Marks Near End For Dog Racing (21)Expertise

  • Gaming industry, Casinos, Sports betting

Southland's Track Closing Marks Near End For Dog Racing (22)Experience

Larry Henry is a veteran print and broadcast reporter and editor who has been a political editor at the Las Vegas Sun and managing editor at KFSM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Northwest Arkansas. Larry also has experience with media outlets in other states with gaming, including Tennessee and Louisiana.

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Southland's Track Closing Marks Near End For Dog Racing (23)

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Southland's Track Closing Marks Near End For Dog Racing (2024)

FAQs

Is Southland Greyhound Park closing? ›

At the end of the year, hundreds of the narrow-headed, long-nosed dogs will stop chasing a mechanical rabbit around the Southland Casino Racing track as they have since 1956. It's the end of an era for the fans who once packed the now nearly empty West Memphis stands to bet on their favorites.

Why is dog racing illegal? ›

Dogs in the racing industry are also subject to standard practices that are cruel and inhumane, like the killing of unprofitable dogs and the use of 4-D meat.

Are there any dog tracks left in the USA? ›

As of 2024, there are only two active greyhound racetracks in the United States, both located in the state of West Virginia and owned by hospitality conglomerate Delaware North.

What number greyhound wins the most? ›

The result of races confirm this. Box 1 invariably produces more wins than any other box. Find a good beginner, a good railer and a fit dog - put them in Box 1 - and you are on the road to quick wealth. Most winners at the dogs come from Box 1 and this is no surprise.

Are the dogs still running at Southland? ›

United States of America. There are no dog tracks in Arkansas. Southland Greyhound Park in Memphis was the only operational track in Arkansas, but ended live dog racing in 2022. Greyhound racing remains legal in the state, however, as a prohibition has not yet passed into law.

Why are greyhound tracks closing? ›

With the 2018 passage of Florida's Constitutional Amendment 13, all Florida tracks ceased operations by December 2020. This continuing decline is due to increased public awareness about the cruelty of dog racing, a decades-long legislative fight and competition from other forms of gambling.

What states still allow dog racing? ›

Today, the only states that still allow greyhound racing and have active tracks are Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Texas and West Virginia. There are four states that do not have active racetracks, but still have laws legalizing greyhound racing. Those states are Wisconsin, Connecticut, Kansas, and Oregon.

What happens to greyhound dogs after racing? ›

Some “retired” greyhounds are put up for adoption, others are sent to breeding farms, and the fate of many is unknown. The National Greyhound Association, which registers all greyhounds for racing, doesn't keep track of the dogs after they leave the track.

What's wrong with greyhound racing? ›

Thousands are bred annually (many more than are needed to race) in an attempt to create the fastest dogs. Cruel methods are often used to dispose of unwanted dogs and the dogs who do survive in the industry are forced to live in cramped crates, pens or fenced enclosures.

Who is the best greyhound racer of all time? ›

BALLYREGAN BOB: the world champion notched up 42 wins from 48 outings and was undefeated as a stayer. THE magnificent Ballyregan Bob, perceived by the purists as the greatest greyhound of all time, died from heart failure at owner Jessie Kevern's Henfield home in April, 1994.

Why did they stop dog racing in Florida? ›

Dorchak said the campaign's ultimately decisive, strategic goal was to inform the voting public about the sport's "corruption and cruelty." She said, in general, a dog died every three days and suffered devastating injuries from broken legs to severed necks running in circles to enrich bettors and dog-track owners.

Why do greyhounds wear muzzles? ›

Preventing biting: While greyhounds are typically non-aggressive, their high prey drive and competitive nature during races can sometimes cause them to react instinctively and unexpectedly. Biting or nipping at other dogs can lead to severe injuries, so wearing muzzles can effectively mitigate this risk.

Which trap wins most in greyhound racing? ›

Greyhound Trap Win Percentage: A Statistical Analysis

Although the difference in win percentage between traps one to four may seem quite close, the age-old saying that “every little helps” comes to mind. The extra 2% edge of trap three over the nearest competitor makes it the most successful trap overall.

Who is the most famous greyhound dog? ›

Ballyregan Bob is an iconic modern greyhound from England who, in the mid-1980s, set the world record for the most consecutive victories in professional dog races. Trained by George Curtis, Ballyregan Bob clinched an extraordinary 32 consecutive wins – a record that stood unbroken for several years.

How often does the favourite win in dog racing? ›

The percentage of favourites winning greyhound races is approximately 35%. This statistic varies across different tracks, racing classes, and other factors. In this article, we will delve into the factors that affect the success rate of favourites, as well as the payout implications for bettors.

Who owns Southland Greyhound Park? ›

Southland Park Gaming & Racing is one of 13 properties owned by Delaware North Companies, Inc..

What are they doing with Gulf Greyhound Park? ›

Karam purchased that site from the family of legendary college football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant in March 2022, nearly two years after the racetrack shut down, with the plan to redevelop it into an 11,000-seat Las Vegas-style concert and event arena.

Is there still greyhound racing in West Memphis? ›

The last greyhound race was held on December 31, 2022.

Who bought Tucson Greyhound Park? ›

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The property that formerly housed Tucson's Greyhound Park has a new owner. Records from the Pima County Recorder confirm the large plot of land near I-10 and South 4th Avenue has been sold to Equilibrium Cordova Village LLC for $9,050,000.

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