Oregon is bidding farewell to its involvement in greyhound racing as Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill outlawing bets on dog races in the state. The recently enacted House Bill 3020 prohibits wagering on greyhound races, marking the end of an era for the sport in Oregon.
Although greyhound racing has been absent from Oregon for over 20 years, the state had a significant role in online gambling on animal races. This initiative began in the late 20th century when dog racing was a popular attraction, drawing large crowds. However, declining interest and animal welfare concerns led to the closure of Multnomah Greyhound Park in 2004.

Despite the decline in greyhound racing, Oregon became a hub for online gambling on animal races, with companies offering advanced deposit wagering. In 2025, Oregon-based companies processed billions of dollars in bets, positioning the state as a major player in the industry.
Efforts to curb betting on dog races date back to 2022 when lawmakers attempted to halt the practice. However, loopholes in the law allowed Oregon to continue facilitating bets on dog races, even those taking place in other countries where the sport still thrives.

With the recent bill signed by Governor Kotek, Oregon is now unequivocally exiting the greyhound racing business. The move has been met with enthusiasm from advocates like state Rep. David Gomberg, who views it as a positive step towards ending a controversial practice.
Commenting on the development, Carey Theil of the greyhound advocacy group GREY2K hailed the decision as a significant victory for animal welfare. He compared Oregon’s move to Florida’s ban on dog racing in 2018, signaling a shift in attitudes towards the industry.
The Oregon Journalism Project, a nonprofit investigative newsroom, highlighted the impact of the bill on the state’s stance on animal racing. The project aims to inform and engage Oregonians through impactful reporting on local and state issues.
As Oregon bids farewell to greyhound racing, the state’s decision reflects a broader trend towards phasing out controversial practices in the sports and gambling industries. With increasing scrutiny on animal welfare and ethical considerations, the move signifies a step towards a more humane approach to entertainment and betting.