U.S. harness racing economic indicators for 2022 first quarter
April 8, 2022,Columbus, OH — Total wagering on U.S. harness races during the first quarter of 2022 from Jan. 1 through March 31 decreased by 9.99 percent from $390,607,850 last year to $351,575,572.
Average wagering per race and per betting interest also decreased by 10.55 percent from $64,308 to $57,522 and 6.57 percent from $7,818 to $7,304, respectively, during the first quarter of this year.
However, purses distributed during the first three months of 2022 increased by nearly $16 million to $66,607,300 compared to $50,751,275 a year ago, an increase of 31.24 percent.
In addition, there were more race days this year with 535 compared to 502 in 2021, a 6.57 percent increase.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS ON U.S. RACES – January – March – 2022 vs. 2021
2022 vs 2021 – First Quarter – Jan. 1 through March 31
| 2022 | 2021 | % Change | |
| Total Wagered | $351,575,572 | $390,607,850 | -9.99% |
| Per Race avg. | $57,522 | $64,308 | -10.55% |
| Per Betting Interest | $7,304 | $7,818 | -6.57% |
| Purses | $66,607,300 | $50,751,275 | +31.24% |
| Race Days | 535 | 502 | +6.57% |
Please note: The information above includes U.S. and Canadian common and separate pool wagers on races contested in the U.S.