Greyhound racing to lose funds in North Carolina

A bill to take funds away from greyhound racing in Charleston, North Carolina, passed the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.

US.- Greyhound racing in North Carolina may soon take a major blow. The Senate Finance Committee in Charleston voted to eliminate the fund that contributes to its development.

In a 10-6 vote, the panel decided to send Senate Bill 285 to the floor. Should it pass, the US$17 million fund wouldn’t turn money to Mardi Gras Casino and Wheeling Island Casino.

“We think this legislation was warranted,” Richie Heath, a lobbyist for GREY2K said. “A clear trend nationwide is that states are getting out of the greyhound racing industry. We are also the only state that actually sets aside state gambling revenues to maintain the racing industry.”

Push to end greyhound racing

In Florida, voters approved Amendment 13 and decided to end live greyhound racing in the state by 2021, which had some tracks already setting the date for their final race, like Bonita Springs.

According to spokesperson Izzy Havenick, the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Racing and Poker will end dog racing in two years. Nonetheless, as the amendment only separated dog racing from poker rooms, the venue will continue to offer gambling at the Bonita Springs location.

“Our family-owned business will transition to new entertainment options for the community as we work with local leaders and area residents to continue to deliver for them,” Havenick stated.