After going though lots and lot, and lots more, 2010 politics, John DiStaso reports on efforts to ban greyhound racing in New Hampshire.

It appears the state is ready to outlaw greyhound racing.

House Bill 630 which essentially reauthorizes horse racing in the state but writes greyhound racing out of existing statutes, is expected to be passed by the House, perhaps as soon as its first 2010 session next Wednesday.

If the bill passes the state Senate, which is more uncertain, New Hampshire will become the 11th state to repeal previously existing authorization of greyhound racing.

Last year, the Legislature removed the requirements that tracks hold a minimum number of live races each year in order to take bets for races run across the country. With the ability to simulcast, there is little reason to run the money-losing dog races. So while an outright ban might not be necessary to end greyhound racing, there will also be much less political opposition to the move. Dog racing hasn’t attracted the crowds for years, but tracks maintained the practice in order to preserve their simulcast racing rights.