March Economic Indicators: U.S. Wagering Up Slightly; Purses, Race Days Decline

by Paulick Report Staff | 04.05.2016 | 12:57pm

Total wagering increased in the U.S. in March, while purses, race days and starts were down slightly from their 2015 levels, according to economic indicators released Tuesday by Equibase.

Wagering in the U.S. was up 0.85% in 2016 as compared with the same month last year. Year-to-date figures were also up, 3.07%

Purses for March 2016 showed a decline, down 4.90% as compared with 2015, while year-to-date they were also down, 2.60%.

The number of race days decreased this year, down 9.04%, compared to March 2015. Year-to-date, race days dropped 7.43%.

The number of races in the U.S. also declined, down 8.47%; year-to-date figures showed a decline of 5.82%.

Lastly, the number of starts in March 2016 showed a decline, down 6.72%; year-to-date figures were also down, 4.05%.

Charts Courtesy Equibase

March 2016 vs. March 2015
Indicator	March 2016	March 2015	% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*	$854,900,215	$847,700,697	+0.85%
U.S. Purses	$72,038,600	$75,750,051	-4.90%
U.S. Race Days	302	332	-9.04%
U.S. Races	2,603	2,844	-8.47%
U.S. Starts	20,520	21,998	-6.72%

YTD 2016 vs. YTD 2015
Indicator	YTD 2016	YTD 2015	% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*	$2,498,295,980	$2,423,926,336	+3.07%
U.S. Purses	$197,361,190	$202,632,295	-2.60%
U.S. Race Days	847	915	-7.43%
U.S. Races	7,282	7,732	-5.82%
U.S. Starts	59,628	62,142	-4.05%