Columbus, OH – All economic indicators for harness racing in the U.S. saw decreases during the first quarter of the year from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2025.
With 7.9% (444 vs. 482) less race days through the first three months of 2025, total wagering decreased by more than $50 million and purses by over $2.3 million.
The $307,779,970 wagered through March 31 this year was $51,814,372 (14.4%) less than the $359,594,342 handled during the same period in 2024.
The overall wagering was reflective of the decrease in handle at the majority of U.S. pari-mutuel tracks across the U.S. Of the 15 pari-mutuel harness racetracks that have raced this year as well as last year, only six showed an increase in wagering compared to 2024.
Two tracks that raced in 2024, Freehold Raceway and Northville Downs, have closed and are not racing in 2025.
On the 444 race days during the first quarter of the year, $61,615,050 in purses were distributed, which is $2,316,925 (3.6%) less than the $63,931,975 last year.
Also during the first quarter of 2025, per race average decreased to $55,019 (8.4%) from $60,032 last year and per betting interest handle was down by $626 (8.4%) from $7,423 in 2024 to $6,797 in 2025.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS ON U.S. RACES – Jan. 1 through March 31, 2025
2025 vs 2024 – 1st Quarter
| 2025 | 2024 | % Change | |
| Total Wagered | $307,779,970 | $359,594,342 | – 14.41% |
| Per Race avg. | $55,019 | $60,032 | – 8.35% |
| Per Betting Interest | $6,797 | $7,423 | – 8.43% |
| Purses | $61,615,050 | $63,931,975 | – 3.62% |
| Race Days | 444 | 482 | – 7.88% |
Please note: The information above includes U.S. and Canadian common and separate pool wagers on races contested in the U.S.