I love to gamble whether it be slot machines, card games or just a football pool. It is not a habitual thing but I think we all love the adrenaline rush that the potential of a big win creates.

Houston may have its horse track but La Marque, Texas is famous for the Gulf Greyhound Park, a fun place to spend a day at the races, make a bet and take your chances. This is a four level, air-conditioned complex with over 1,000 closed circuit monitors and 318 teller windows..


Location, Hours and Prices:

This park is located just off I-45 South at La Marque, Texas between Houston and Galveston.

It's hours of operation are:

Tuesday thru Saturday, doors open 6:30pm, races begin at 7:30pm
Friday thru Sunday, doors open 12:30pm, races begin at 1:30pm

General admission is $1.00. If you want to experience the comforts of the clubhouse, admission is $3.00. Parking is $2.00.


The Park:

This race track which opened its doors in 1992 has a huge parking lot able to accommodate 8,000 vehicles. There are a variety of booths serving food and also a food court. In the clubhouse, full service meals are served throughout the races and there is also a fully stocked bar.

This multi-story complex has a view to the race track from each floor through its huge windows. You can also step outside and get a closer look if you want. The club house accommodates 900 people. It is located on the second floor for easy viewing and features a television monitor for each table so you don’t miss any of the action, backed up by a series of endless teller windows so you can make your bets quick.

There are plenty of bathrooms at this track, no doubt because the races are close together and it assures you of not having to wait in line and miss any races.

You can be assured of world-class racing and pari-mutuel wagering at this quarter mile track all year. You must be 21 or over to place a bet which consist of the Win, Place, and Show bets, and the exactas, trifectas, superfectas, daily doubles.

The track itself surrounds a small lake and the plush green landscape around it is superbly manicured. Immediately behind the track are the boards where you can see your odds, results and winning amounts for each type of bet.


A Personal Note:

I grew up around greyhounds in England. My uncle bred them and my mom worked at the track so I learned a lot about the operation at a young age. Some may think it’s a cruel sport. However, these dogs love to run and a race to them is like a back yard romp to other dogs.

I know that in every sport involving animals that there are cases of cruelty and some may think that the owners are cruel dumping these dogs when they get to old to race. However, most owners are attached to their dogs and either keep them or at least make sure they go to a good home. Nowadays, most tracks have adoption programs for these dogs and strict rules and limitations apply when it comes to the dogs’ treatment.

Being around breeders for years, I happen to know that most of these dogs are like family members who are doted upon just like any other pet and when it comes to racing, it is like a huge treat for them. So, when I see them prancing and pulling on their leashes as they parade down the track, I know that this is what they like to do and I like to watch them do it.


My Experience:

When I go to the track, I am usually accompanied by a group of friends. There is never a problem parking. I have never seen this lot more than half full. In fact, you don’t see that often anymore.

On entering the huge entrance, you pay your $1 fee and proceed to which level you choose. I always go to the clubhouse and on my way, I pick up a program which usually costs about $5.00. There are many tables to chose from and even on the weekends you can find a choice seat. A monitor comes with each table for closer viewing.

After I choose a table, I usually beckon the waiter to order a drink and then I pick my dogs for the first race. There are ten races, each about 15 minutes apart so between betting and watching the races, you don’t really have time for much else.

I order a blooming onion and some chips and dip to munch on although you can order a full-fledged meal. Food prices are a little steep, about $20 for the snacks.

When the races start, I check out the dogs as they parade down the tracks and make my bets. The horn sounds, the race begins and they are off! It is quite an exciting, fun day out although I can’t say I benefit much financially.


Conclusion:

This track is not the cleanest as far as bathrooms are concerned. When it first opened, it was always immaculate but business has slowed since then and it seems like it reflects on the employees at times. I have seen children at this park although I don’t think it is a place I would take my child. Not only would it be boring for them but it is not a good environment for them either.

Apart from that, it is a nice atmosphere and it is something different to do once in a while. Located between Houston and Galveston it is accessible about 25 miles each way. So if you are down this way and you like to gamble sometimes, add a trip to Gulf Greyhound Park to your agenda. It is a fun day out.


For more information, go to www.gulfgreyhound.com
Or call: (409) 986-9500 or toll free: 1-800-ASK-2WIN


Other Texas destinations:

Kemah Boardwalk



Thank you for reading.


Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May