U.S. harness racing economic indicators for 2021
January 6, 2022,Columbus, OH — Total wagering on U.S. races in 2021 increased compared to both 2020, when there was no racing due to the COVID-19 pandemic from March 22 to May 31, and 2019, when there was a full slate of racing. The increases were more than $450 million compared to 2020 and nearly $200 million higher than in 2019.
The total handle of $1,622,344,626 in the U.S. during 2021 was $459,496,425 (+39.5 percent) more than 2020 and $197,458,068 (+13.9 percent) greater than 2019.
In addition, the average wagering per race in 2021 was up 4.91 percent ($47,358 vs. $45,140) compared to 2020 and 18.42 percent higher ($47,358 vs. $39,991) than in 2019.
During 2021, the $437,896,608 in purses distributed was $133,837,493 (+44 percent) higher than 2020 but $1,649,411 less than 2019, a 0.4 percent decrease.
There were 915 (+38.8 percent) more race days with 3,273 in 2021 compared to the 2,358 in 2020, but 151 (-4.4 percent) fewer than the 3,424 in 2019.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS ON U.S. RACES — YEAR-TO-YEAR COMPARISON
2021 vs 2020
| 2021 | 2020 | % Change | |
| Total Wagered | 1,622,344,626 | $1,162,848,201 | +39.51% |
| Per Race avg. | $47,358 | $45,140 | +4.91% |
| Per Betting Interest | $6,069 | $5,534 | +9.67% |
| Purses | $437,896,608 | $304,059,115 | +44.02% |
| Race Days | 3,273 | 2,358 | +38.80% |
2021 vs 2019
| 2021 | 2019 | % Change | |
| Total Wagered | 1,622,344,626 | $1,424,886,558 | +13.9% |
| Per Race avg. | $47,358 | $39,991 | +18.42% |
| Per Betting Interest | $6,069 | $5,008 | +21.19% |
| Purses | $437,896,608 | $439,546,019 | -0.4% |
| Race Days | 3,273 | 3,424 | -4,4% |
Please note: The information above includes U.S. and Canadian common and separate pool wagers on races contested in the U.S.