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Race & Sports Wagering

Greyhounds Casinos

Pari-mutuel dog racing. Largely simulcast from remaining US tracks. Win, place, show, and exotic bets available.

17 US venues offer greyhounds.

House Edge
18% to 25% takeout (varies by track)
RTP
75% to 82%
Typical Min Bet
$2
Pace
Event-based
Category
Race & Sports Wagering
Beginner-friendly

Casino Directory

Where to play Greyhounds in the US

Showing 12 of 17 venues

Greyhound racing is pari-mutuel dog racing where greyhounds chase a mechanical lure around an oval track. The sport has declined significantly in the United States, with live racing now limited to a handful of tracks, primarily in West Virginia. Most greyhound wagering today occurs through simulcast feeds from tracks that still operate live racing. The wagering format is identical to horse racing: win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets are available. You'll find live tables at most major properties. See our full US casino directory for venue contact details and hours.

Greyhound racing was once a staple of American pari-mutuel wagering, but live racing has declined to just a few tracks. Most greyhound action today comes through simulcast feeds at racebooks and OTB parlors. The wagering format is identical to horse racing, but the handicapping factors are different. Greyhound races are shorter, simpler, and more dependent on post position and early speed than thoroughbred races.

How to play Greyhounds

  1. Get a program from the racebook or simulcast venue. Programs list dogs, post positions, recent speed ratings, and trainer information.

  2. Choose a dog and bet type: win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, or superfecta.

  3. Place your bet at a mutuel window or self-service kiosk before the race starts. Races run every 10 to 15 minutes.

  4. Watch the race on the simulcast screen. The mechanical lure leads the dogs around the track.

  5. Results are posted after the race is declared official. Winning tickets can be cashed at the window.

  6. Greyhound races are short -- typically 5/16 or 3/8 of a mile -- and last about 30 seconds.

Greyhound Racing Rules and Wagering

Greyhound races typically feature 8 dogs chasing a mechanical lure around an oval track. Race distances are short -- 5/16 or 3/8 of a mile -- and races last about 30 seconds. The dogs are loaded into a starting box, and the lure begins moving when the boxes open. The first dog across the finish line wins. Standard pari-mutuel wagering applies: win (first), place (first or second), show (first, second, or third), exacta (first two in order), trifecta (first three in order), and superfecta (first four in order).

The remaining live greyhound tracks in the US are concentrated in West Virginia, with Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras Casino being the primary venues. Most other tracks have closed or converted to simulcast-only operations. The takeout on greyhound wagers is typically higher than horse racing, ranging from 18 to 25 percent. Simulcast feeds from tracks in other countries, particularly Ireland and Australia, are available at some racebooks.

  • Is live greyhound racing still available in the US?

    Live racing has declined significantly. Only a handful of tracks in West Virginia still offer live greyhound racing. Most greyhound wagering today is through simulcast from remaining tracks or international feeds.

Editorial Strategy

Strategy & etiquette for Greyhounds

  • Post position is the most important factor in greyhound racing. Inside posts (1-3) have a significant advantage.

  • Early speed is critical. Greyhounds that break well from the box and reach the first turn ahead of the pack win at a high rate.

  • Study the dog's recent speed ratings and grade level. A dog dropping in grade is a strong betting angle.

  • The time between races is short (10-15 minutes). Have your bets ready before the race to avoid missing the window.

  • Exacta and trifecta boxes cover multiple finish orders. A $1 exacta box with 3 dogs costs $6 and gives you six possible winning combinations.

  • The takeout on exotic bets is higher than on straight bets. Win and place bets offer the best value for bettors.

Where to play in the US

Top land-based casinos to play Greyhounds

Editorial picks for visitors who want a real-floor Greyhounds session. Ranked by directory depth (table counts, amenities, and floor quality). Tap any card for the full property review.

  1. #1Racinos
    Editor's pick
    Palm Beach Kennel Club — west palm beach

    Palm Beach Kennel Club

    West Palm Beach, Florida

    60 poker tables

    Selection23
    Value29
    Experience19

    Games available

    • Greyhounds
    • Simulcasting
    • 5 Card Stud

    Property

    • Restaurant
    • Self Parking
    • Valet
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  2. #2Racinos
    Mardi Gras Casino and Resort — nitro

    Mardi Gras Casino and Resort

    Nitro, West Virginia

    900 slots · 30 tables · 24 poker tables · 24/7

    Selection82
    Value63
    Experience93

    Games available

    • 3 Card Poker
    • Big 6
    • Blackjack

    Property

    • Buffet
    • Open 24 7
    • Pool
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  3. #3Racinos
    Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club — daytona beach

    Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club

    Daytona Beach, Florida

    450 slots · 50 poker tables

    Selection10
    Value69
    Experience40

    Games available

    • Greyhounds
    • Simulcasting

    Property

    • Bar
    • Nightclub
    • Restaurant
    Rate for Greyhounds0 votes

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Rankings reflect directory data depth (floor counts, game variety, amenity tags) re-verified quarterly. They are not a substitute for current operating status; confirm hours and game spread directly with each casino before visiting.

Greyhound Racing Strategy

Handicapping greyhounds is simpler than handicapping horses. Post position is the dominant factor: inside posts win at a higher rate because dogs from the outside must run a wider path around the turns. Early speed is the second most important factor. A greyhound that consistently breaks quickly and reaches the first turn ahead of the pack has a significant advantage. Grade level changes are powerful indicators: a dog dropping from Grade A to Grade B has a strong chance.

The most profitable approach for casual bettors is to bet win and place on inside-post dogs with early speed. Exotic bets are harder to hit in greyhound racing than horse racing because the fields are smaller and the outcomes more predictable, which reduces the payout potential. Compared to harness racing, greyhound racing is simpler and faster but offers fewer betting opportunities per session.

Common Greyhounds variants

Where to Bet on Greyhound Racing

Greyhound wagering is available at casino racebooks, OTB parlors, and simulcast venues. Most casino racebooks carry greyhound simulcast feeds alongside horse racing, though the menu is smaller than horse racing options.

Before you bet, check the track menu at the racebook or simulcast venue. Browse our US casino directory to find venues near you.

  • How do I bet on greyhound racing?

    Use the same bet types as horse racing: win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta. Place bets at a mutuel window or kiosk before the race.

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