Harness racing wagering and purse report for 2018

Columbus, OH — While total wagering on harness racing in the United States was down slightly in 2018, the average betting per race increased by 3.95 percent compared to 2017.

Total wagering on harness racing at U.S. racetracks in 2018 was $1,376,360,696, a 0.49-percent decrease, which was down $6,828,526 from the $1,383,189,222 bet in 2017.

The 2018 per race average wagering was $38,801, $1,474 more than the $37,327 average from a year ago, while total race days declined 3.88 percent to 3,470 days compared with 3,610 in 2017.

Total purses distributed were down slightly, by 0.83 percent. In 2018, total purse distribution was $429,420,669 a decrease of $3,579,920 from $433,000,589 in 2017.

Following are the comparative economic indicators for U.S. harness racing from 2018 and 2017.

2018 2017 % Change
Total Wagered $1,376,360,696 $1,383,189,222 -0.49%
Per Race avg. $38,801 $37,327 +3.95%
Purses $429,420,669 $433,000,589 -0.83%
Race Days 3,470 3,610 -3.88%

 

Please note: Includes U.S. and Canadian common and separate pool wagers on races contested in the U.S.

Data source: United Tote

The United States Trotting Association, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a not-for-profit association of Standardbred owners, breeders, drivers, trainers, and officials, organized to provide administrative, rulemaking, licensing and breed registry services to its members. For more information on the USTA, please visit www.ustrotting.com.

Back to Top

Share via