New Bill Proposal Puts Connecticut on Its Way to Ban Greyhound Racing

Bill 5042 was proposed by District 105 Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria, District 91 Representative Michael D’Agostino, and District 18 Senator Heather Somers.

Bill 5042 Is Not the First Attempt to Ban Greyhound Racing in Connecticut

Bill 5042 proposes a total ban on the operation of every greyhound track in the state of Connecticut. It also introduces a ban on all simulcasting of greyhound racing events happening out of state. However, such legislative changes have been proposed before. The Senate passed a similar bill in 2017, but the House of Representatives failed to pass it, eventually killing it. In 2021 there was another attempt to ban greyhound racing in the state. But the House of Representatives voted against the bill.

Then in February 2022, Republican State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria proposed a similar bill, number 5174, but it never made it through the whole enactment process.

Greyhound Racing Is Deemed Inhumane and Cruel

The difference between the February and current laws is that the previous law only introduced a ban on the operation of greyhound tracks but did not introduce rules on simulcasting. The latest bill seeks to eradicate greyhound tracks from the state and to thwart any live broadcast of such races linked to sports betting activity. This likely means that legislative changes will impact sports betting on greyhound racing, with most operators choosing not to offer such betting. However, both the February and current laws indicate that 41 other U.S. states have already banned greyhound races. Abuse and Violation. The use of live bait is also highlighted as cruel.

Greyhound Racing Has Been Declining for a Long Time

There are no more greyhound tracks in Connecticut. This form of entertainment was popular in the past with the opening of Connecticut’s first racetrack, Plainfield Greyhound Park, in 1976. However, by 2005 all live greyhound racing had ceased as attendance was meager, and its glory days were virtually over. However, according to legislation, it is still possible to open a greyhound track in Connecticut, and entertainment is coming back to Connecticut.

A new bill has been introduced in Connecticut to ban greyhound racing. Bill 5042 is the latest attempt by two Republicans and one Democratic lawmaker to outlaw essential gambling in the state. Proposed by District 105 Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria, District 91 Representative Michael D’Agostino, and District 18 Senator Heather Somers, the bill calls for a total ban on the use of all greyhound tracks, including the Out-of-state broadcasting of races.