Oregon Bans Greyhound Betting, Closing ADW Loophole

Oregon has just passed a groundbreaking law that closes a major loophole in U.S. online dog race betting.

House Bill 3020, passed by Oregon lawmakers, bans the state’s advance-deposit wagering (ADW) licensees from accepting bets on greyhound races. While greyhound racing has been illegal in Oregon since 2022, Oregon’s ADW system allowed local operators like TwinSpires, AmWest Entertainment, and Xpressbet to process online bets on greyhound races elsewhere, especially in West Virginia and international tracks.

This bill changes everything. Once signed by Governor Tina Kotek, the law will eliminate most online dog race betting in the U.S., marking a historic win for greyhound welfare advocates.

Let’s break down why this matters and what it means for Oregon’s racing and gambling landscape.

Oregon Shuts Greyhound Betting Loophole, Delivering Major Blow to Dog Racing

1️⃣ Oregon Closes the ADW Greyhound Betting Loophole

Oregon, alongside North Dakota, serves as a central ADW hub in the U.S. These hubs process the vast majority of internet-based dog and horse race bets nationwide.

Although greyhound racing has been illegal locally, Oregon ADWs could still handle bets on live races elsewhere. With the passing of House Bill 3020, Oregon ADWs will no longer be allowed to process these wagers.

According to the Oregon Racing Commission (ORC), greyhound bets account for less than 2% of all ADW activity. However, the symbolic weight is huge. In 2023 alone, 10,542 greyhounds were injured worldwide in races connected to Oregon’s ADW system.

Carey Theil, executive director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, a leading greyhound advocacy group, called it “the biggest victory for greyhound advocates since Florida voted to end dog racing in 2018.”

2️⃣ Economic Ripples for Oregon’s Horse Racing Industry

The economic stakes are significant. Oregon’s Racing Commission relies on ADW-generated revenue for about 75% of its funding. While greyhound bets are a small fraction of total wagers, the ban could still prompt some ADW operators to relocate to North Dakota, reducing Oregon’s racing income.

Notably, the ORC supported the bill despite these concerns, reflecting a prioritization of animal welfare over minor economic losses.

Governor Kotek, who requested the legislation, is expected to sign the bill into law.

3️⃣ A National Shift Away from Greyhound Racing

The Oregon ban is part of a broader national decline in greyhound racing. Since 2022, five states — Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire — have banned betting on dog races.

Currently, only two tracks remain operational, both in West Virginia. Interestingly, their owner, Delaware North, has publicly stated it would support legislation to end racing as a casino licensing condition, acknowledging the segment’s minimal profitability.

Even within Oregon, the market has shown clear signs of collapse: greyhound betting through ADWs fell 38% between 2021 and 2023. Three Oregon-licensed ADWs have already stopped offering greyhound bets entirely.

A Clear Victory for Animal Welfare Advocates

For animal welfare advocates, Oregon’s move marks a critical turning point. By closing the ADW loophole, the state effectively cuts off the majority of U.S. online greyhound betting, further isolating the last remnants of the industry.

As Theil remarked, “The walls are closing in on the last remnants of greyhound racing in America.”

While the economic impact on Oregon’s horse racing sector deserves attention, lawmakers have chosen to prioritize the ethical argument, ensuring gambling platforms do not profit from greyhound exploitation.

Oregon’s ban on greyhound betting through its ADW system represents a landmark moment in U.S. gambling and animal welfare policy. By closing a long-standing loophole, the state not only aligns its practices with ethical standards but also sends a clear signal to the rest of the country: greyhound racing’s days are numbered.

Although the horse racing sector may face some revenue shifts, the state has made its position clear — the welfare of animals takes precedence. As this new law moves to Governor Kotek’s desk, Oregon positions itself at the forefront of responsible gambling reform, shaping the future of U.S. racing and online betting for years to come.

Would you like a deeper dive into how this legislation compares with similar moves in other U.S. states?