All the Arizona dog tracks are closed and greyhound racing is illegal in the state.
At one time there were five operational greyhound tracks in the state: Apache Greyhound Park, Black Canyon Greyhound Park, Phoenix Greyhound Park, Tucson Greyhound Park, and Yuma Greyhound Park. The last track to close was Tucson Greyhound Park, which held its last race on June 25, 2016.1 Within days, hundreds of greyhounds were released for adoption.2
In 2016, House Bill 2127 to outlaw live dog racing was brought jointly by GREY2K USA Worldwide and Tucson Greyhound Park. The measure was sponsored by Representative John Kavanagh and passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.3 On May 13, 2016, Governor Doug Ducey signed the prohibition into law.4
In January 2024, Senate Bill 1260 was filed by now-Senator John Kavanagh to prohibit simulcast wagering on dogs as well. The measure passed in the Senate by a vote of 24-2 on Thursday, February 15 and then in the House on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The bill was reconsidered and passed by both chambers again, in the very last hour of the session on June 15, 2024. Governor Katie Hobbs signed the measure into law on June 21, 2024.
News4 Tucson - Large fire destroys Tucson Greyhound Park
Fox 10 Phoenix - Massive fire decimates Tucson Greyhound Park
Tucson.com - Fire guts vacant former Tucson Greyhound Park building
News9 Tucson - Fire tears through Tucson Greyhound Park
Read more >
Good Bye Tucson Greyhound Park Celebration
On June 24, 2016, GREY2K USA friends and allies joined together in Paradise Valley to celebrate the end of dog racing in Arizona. Barbara, Phil and Kari Nienstedt opened their home and their hearts to greyhound advocates from far and wide.
Learn more about dog racing in other countries
Read our International Fact Sheet (PDF)
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