Eureka Downs

In 1986, Kansas voters approved Parimutuel betting at horse and dog racing facilities.

The expected annual economic impact to Eureka was $15 million and the track was projected to employ 180 to 200 people.

The Eureka city government issued $1.5 million in Certificates of Participation to fund the necessary facility upgrades and the track held its first parimutuel race in September 1988.

Attendance and revenue dropped sharply the next year due to competition from the new Wichita Greyhound Park in Wichita, The Woodlands (race track) in Kansas City, and larger horse racing venues in surrounding states.

A Horse Racing Benefit Fund was created to subsidize Eureka Downs, Rooks County, and Anthony Downs (race track), funded by a portion of the tax revenue from the larger tracks.

Legislation was passed to resume live racing at Eureka Downs in 2024, but was vetoed by the Governor.