Michael Weiss defends North Dakota's greyhound racing during legislative hearing

The North Dakota House Judiciary Committee convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss significant issues affecting the state's racing industry, particularly focusing on advanced deposit wagering and the implications of proposed legislation targeting greyhound racing.

The meeting began with a testimony from an industry representative who expressed concerns about misinformation directed at the racing sector. He emphasized that the greyhound racing industry is being unfairly targeted as a "low hanging fruit" and warned that if the proposed bill passes, it could set a precedent for other animal-related industries, including horse racing and rodeos. He urged committee members to look beyond the "lies and innuendo" and recognize the positive strides made by the racing industry over the years.

Following this, Michael Weiss, president of ParaVet, an advanced deposit wagering company, provided a detailed explanation of how advanced deposit wagering operates. He clarified that this system requires customers to deposit money upfront and ensures that all bets are placed legally and responsibly. Weiss highlighted his extensive background in live racing and the contributions his company has made to North Dakota, including over $5.5 million in taxes and $1 million in charitable donations.

Weiss strongly opposed the proposed legislation that would restrict customers from wagering on greyhound races, noting that there is currently no greyhound track in North Dakota. He argued that such restrictions would not only harm his business but also negatively impact the horse racing industry and local charities that benefit from the taxes generated by wagering. He pointed out that customers might seek alternative jurisdictions to place their bets, which could lead to a significant loss of revenue for North Dakota.

Throughout his testimony, Weiss emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses that contribute to the community and warned against the potential consequences of limiting wagering options. He concluded by urging the committee to consider the broader implications of the proposed bill and to support the industries that have historically supported North Dakota.

The meeting underscored the ongoing debate surrounding animal racing and the regulatory landscape in North Dakota, with significant implications for the future of the state's racing industry and its economic contributions. The committee's discussions will likely influence the direction of future legislation and the viability of various racing sectors within the state.