Researcher: JP Page 1 4/7/21
OLR Bill Analysis
HB 6048
AN ACT PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF GREYHOUND
RACING IN THE STATE.
SUMMARY
This bill repeals the statutes authorizing dog tracks and dog racing
in Connecticut, but not those pertaining to off-track betting (OTB) on
dog racing. It explicitly allows OTB operators to conduct betting on
out-of-state dog races.
The bill also makes related technical and conforming changes,
including eliminating the dog-racing license and references to dog-
racing in (1) fees imposed to fund chronic gambling rehabilitation
programs and (2) bans on smoking and e-cigarette use.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
BACKGROUND
Dog Racing
Although dog racing is currently legal, there has not been an active
dog track in the state in over a decade. Plainfield Greyhound Park, the
state’s first track, opened in 1976 and closed in 2005. A state jai alai
track in Bridgeport was converted into the Shoreline Star greyhound
racing facility in 1995. The race track closed in 2006, but the facility was
renamed Winners Shoreline Star and operates simulcast wagering on
thoroughbred and harness races, greyhound races, and jai alai. There
are approximately a dozen OTB facilities operating in the state.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Safety and Security Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 15 Nay 9 (03/24/2021)