You’re looking for tri state dog racing entries for today because, honestly, the landscape of American greyhound racing has changed so fast it’s hard to keep up. Most of the old tracks are gone. Florida is dark. Texas is a memory. But here in West Virginia, the engines are still humming—sorta. Specifically at Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Cross Lanes, which many of us still affectionately call "Tri-State."
Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. If you’re planning to check out the program or head down to the track, you’re looking at a standard evening performance.
The Lowdown on Today’s Performance
Post time for the first race tonight is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. EST.
The card typically features 12 to 15 races. You’ve got a mix of Grade A speedsters and the lower-tier Grade D dogs trying to find their rhythm. Unlike horse racing, where the entries might be out days in advance with complex handicapping notes, greyhound programs are lean and mean. You’re looking for the box numbers, the "break" stats, and who’s got the early speed to clear the first turn.
Basically, if you aren't at the track picking up a physical program, your best bet is the official Mardi Gras website or a dedicated racing platform like Lucky North. They usually post the overnight entries about 24 hours before the first whistle.
Why Tri State Dog Racing Entries for Today Matter More Than Ever
We are living through a weird era for the sport. As of January 1, 2026, a new West Virginia law (SB753) kicked in. It’s a bit of a "save the tracks" move. Basically, it tells the casinos they don't have to run a minimum number of live race days anymore to keep their gambling licenses.
This is huge. For decades, live racing was a requirement. Now? It’s a choice.
Yet, here we are on a Friday night in January, and the dogs are still running. Why? Because the handle—the total money wagered—is still significant. Between Tri-State (Mardi Gras) and Wheeling Island, these two tracks generated over $400 million in handle just a couple of years back. People still want to bet on the greyhounds.
What to Look for in the Program
When you're scanning those entries, don't just look at the win percentages.
- The First Turn: At Tri-State, the first turn is everything. If a dog is a "slow breaker" (look for high numbers in the first call column), they’re going to get squeezed.
- The Grade Jumps: Watch for dogs moving from Grade B to Grade A. That jump is a killer. Most dogs bounce back down before they ever find the winner's circle in A.
- The Post Position: The "rail" (Box 1) is statistically a beast here. If you see a high-win-rate dog in the 1-hole, the odds are going to be short for a reason.
The Looming Shadow of the Greyhound Protection Act
It isn't all sunshine and quinielas. There is a federal bill sitting in D.C. right now called the Greyhound Protection Act of 2025. It’s bipartisan. It’s aggressive. If it passes, it would outlaw greyhound racing nationwide, period.
The sponsors say it’s about animal welfare. The folks in Nitro and Wheeling say it’s about jobs and a culture that’s been part of West Virginia since 1985. It’s a messy, emotional debate. For now, the legal status remains "green light," but every set of tri state dog racing entries for today feels a little more precious to those who have spent their lives in the kennels.
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Getting the Most Out of the Night
If you're actually going to the casino in Cross Lanes, don't just sit in the simulcast room. The "Grill at First Turn" is where you want to be. You can literally eat a steak while the dogs blur past the window at 40 miles per hour. It’s one of the last places on Earth where you can do that.
For those playing from home or a satellite OTB, keep an eye on the track conditions. January in West Virginia means the surface can be "fast" one hour and "sloppy" the next if the humidity or temperature shifts. A "mudder" is a real thing in dog racing, and they can ruin a favorite's night in a heartbeat.
Practical Tips for Today’s Entries
- Check the Scratches: Check the official board at 5:00 p.m. Dogs get scratched for everything from a minor cramp to a late transport. Don't let your "lock" of the night be a non-runner.
- Watch the Replays: Most people bet on today based on what they think happened last week. Go watch the replays. Did the #4 dog lose because he’s slow, or because he got tripped up by a wide runner at the break?
- The Superfecta: If you’re feeling lucky, the 10-cent superfecta is the best value in the house. It’s a low-cost way to stay in the game for all 15 races without breaking the bank.
The reality is that greyhound racing is on its last lap in America. Whether you love the sport or just like the math of the betting, the entries at Tri-State represent a disappearing piece of sports history. Grab a program, watch the break, and appreciate the speed while it's still here.
To get the most accurate data right now, navigate to the Mardi Gras Casino racing portal and download the "Friday Evening" PDF program. This will give you the specific kennel names and recent "running lines" for every dog on tonight's card. Ensure you cross-reference the "Stats Compiled" reports usually updated on Tuesdays to see which kennels are currently "hot" or "cold" before placing any significant wagers.