Concord – New Hampshire’s two greyhound dog racing tracks won permission today to drop all racing dates. They will continue to operate as simulcast betting centers, and to host gambling events for charities.

Paul Kelley, executive director of the state Racing and Charitable Gaming Commission (the former Pari-Mutuel Commission), said commissioners approved applications from both the Lodge at Belmont and Seabrook Greyhound Park.

The state budget bill that will take effect July 1 allows tracks to drop their live racing and continue simulcast wagering. Rockingham Park is also covered by the bill, but continues with its harness racing schedule, Kelley said.

“I think the handwriting was on the wall, since the discussion had gone on for some time. This was not unexpected,” Kelley said.

The decision could be the end of greyhound racing in the state. A third track, in Hinsdale, closed late last year.

Rick Newman, who represents the Belmont track said the decision was a financial one.“It costs a lot more money to run live racing than we get from it,” he said.

The Grey2K USA group, which fought to end greyhound racing, said the budget bill removed the last reason for tracks to continue dig racing.

”The only reason they kept it was to be able to run simulcast wagering,” Grey2K vice president Michael Trombley said.

►The Lodge at Belmont
►Seabrook Greyhound Park