Columbus, OH – During the third quarter, from July 1 through Sept. 30, total wagering across the United States increased by 3.38%, following the second quarter when handle was up by 2.38% compared to last year in 2025. This year, $374,280,401 was wagered during the third quarter compared to $362,053,597 a year ago. That increase was despite decreases in race days and the number of pari-mutuel races compared to the third quarter of last year.
September marked the fifth consecutive month that wagering increased compared to 2025. Those percentage increases were: May (+7.12%), June (+3.77%), July (+4.42), August (+2.43%), and September (+3.22%). During those five months, wagering was $647.3 million, an increase of $26.2 million and 4.2% over a year ago.
With the less race days in 2026, 1,087 vs. 1,164 in 2025, a 6.62% decrease, the per race and per betting increases also increased. The per race average increased by $3,084 (8.90%) and the per betting interest went up by $359 (+7.59%).
The number of pari-mutuel races dropped by 530, from 10,449 to 9,919, a 5.07% decrease.
Among the highlights of the third quarter, Bangor Raceway, Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, and Running Aces Casino, Hotel and Racetrack each reported all-time daily handle records during their meets.
Bangor all-time daily record – July 1
https://ustrottingnews.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=217241&action=edit
Meadows all-time daily record – July 2
https://ustrottingnews.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=217293&action=edit
Running Aces single day handle record – Aug. 2
https://ustrottingnews.com/running-aces-smashes-handle-record-on-sunday/
In addition, Bangor established a new record with a more than 50% increase in wagering during their 25-day meet this year.
https://ustrottingnews.com/long-wins-four-as-record-bangor-summer-meet-concludes/
Following are the U.S. harness racing economic indicators for the third quarter of 2026.
| 2026 | 2025 | % Change | |
| Total Wagered | $374,280,401 | $362,053,310 | + 3.38% |
| Per Race avg. | $37,734 | $34,650 | + 8.90% |
| Per Betting Interest | $5,090 | $4,731 | + 7.59% |
| Purses | $191,534,074 | $193,168,752 | – 0.08% |
| Race Days | 1,087 | 1,164 | – 6.62% |
Please note: The information above includes U.S. and Canadian common and separate pool wagers on races contested in the U.S.