North Dakota’s Attempt to Ban Online Greyhound Betting Fails

The gambling landscape in North Dakota has been buzzing with legislative activity recently, as state lawmakers delve into significant regulatory changes. One such endeavor, involving Senate Bill 2384 proposed by Republican Senator Claire Cory, aimed to shield greyhound racing from the state’s betting platforms. Despite its advocates and the compelling arguments for revising the regulations, the bill ultimately failed to pass in the House, leaving many in the gambling community debating its potential impact.

Senate Bill 2384 was particularly contentious due to its aim to prohibit Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) sites from accepting bets on greyhound races. Senator Cory’s primary argument centered on the lack of robust regulation in greyhound racing compared to horse racing, citing concerns about criminal activities and drug-related issues linked to the sport. Cory suggested that the phased introduction of ADW restrictions over two years would mitigate any undue harm to the state’s racing industry. However, opposition from within North Dakota was strong, with critics arguing that such measures could unintentionally hamper the broader racing scene, including the important horse racing sector.

GREY2K USA Worldwide, an advocacy group dedicated to ending the cruelty associated with dog racing, supported the bill, indicating a potential shift towards more ethical betting practices. In their view, restricting greyhound race betting aligns with broader efforts to enact stronger animal protection laws at both national and international levels. North Dakota’s significant role as one of the largest simulcast betting hubs in the country, processing millions in wagers annually, underscores the complexity and reach of such regulatory changes. Despite these advocacy efforts, the potential for collateral damage to the horse racing industry, which is crucial to the state’s agricultural sector, positioned many stakeholders against the bill.

Opponents of the measure, including North Dakota Racing’s executive director Bruce Johnson, were vocal about the potential adverse effects. Johnson cautioned that banning wagers on greyhound racing via ADW platforms could eliminate a substantial portion of the sector’s revenue, potentially driving these platforms to relocate to other states. The ripple effects could be severe, leading to decreased tax revenues and destabilizing the live racing industry within North Dakota. Hazen Rep. Bill Tveit further highlighted the integral role horse racing plays in the state’s economy, stressing its significant contribution to job creation, income for local horse operations, and vital tax earnings.