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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The last greyhound racing track in Texas is closing.
Gulf Greyhound Park in La Marque, near Galveston, announced plans Wednesday to cease living racing by Jan. 1
It has featured greyhound racing since opening in 1992. In a statement to the Austin American-Statesman (http://atxne.ws/1KOzMot ), Sally Briggs, general manager of the track, said it couldn't compete with racetracks in surrounding states that offer expanded gambling options. She also cited an overall decline in the racing industry as a reason for the closure.
Nick James, executive director of the Texas Greyhound Association, told the newspaper that the closing will eliminate between 250 and 300 jobs and 11 nearby kennels.
The Texas Racing Commission says wagering at Gulf Greyhound Park had declined by 85 percent since 1992.
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Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com
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