Florida voters Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a measure to phase out greyhound racing in the state by 2020. This will leave Arkansas as one of a very few places where the sport remains legal.
Florida has 11 of the 17 active greyhound tracks in the country. Only five states — one being Arkansas — currently have legal greyhound racing.
The looming end of greyhound racing — under attack for years by humane groups — helps explain why Southland Gaming in West Memphis invested heavily in the amendment to solidify the legality of its existing casino at West Memphis alongside its greyhound track, as well as allow it to expand to conventional casino table games and sports bookmaking. Currently only “electronic games of skill” are allowed at Southland, but it produces enormous income, with $2.7 billion in betting (most paid back in winnings) not to mention $40 million last year in tax revenue.
Only parimutuel betting on horses is specifically
Voter action Tuesday clears up the issue for Southland and Oaklawn, plus allowing