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By Lyle Moran for The Associated Press
REVERE, Mass. — Wonderland Greyhound Park shut down after 75 years on Thursday, a move that follows the end of live dog racing in Massachusetts and the apparent demise of a casino gambling bill that might have allowed the track to lure patrons with slot machines.
Wonderland said in a statement that it was suspending business operations immediately because it could no longer compete in a “drastically changed gaming market” that includes casinos, slot parlors and a so-called racino in neighboring states.
Since a voter-approved ban on greyhound racing took effect on Jan. 1, the track had remained open for simulcasting, in which patrons can place bets on races being run in other states.
Richard Dalton, president and CEO of Wonderland, said remaining employees were notified this week that they would lose their jobs.
“This is an emotional day for all of us, and the most difficult part of it is the hardworking people who have been given notice that they no longer have a job,” said Dalton, who added that many of the employees had worked at the track for decades.
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