Total wagering on races in the United States declined -6.68% in July, which had 30 fewer race days compared with the July the previous year, according to the economic indicators released Sunday by Equibase.
Wagering in July, which includes worldwide commingled betting on U.S. races, was $1,067,688,807 versus $1,144,093,082 in July 2022.
Year-to-date figures on wagering on U.S. races were down as well to $7,142,167,324 compared with $7,406,712,307, a decrease of 3.57%.
With numerous cancellations due to extremely hot weather and continuing poor air quality from Canadian wildfires, race days in July were down 6.62% from the same month in 2022—423 days versus 453 days during the corresponding month last year. Year to date, the number of race days was down 4.11%.
Available U.S. purses in July decreased for the fourth consecutive month to $123,332,940, down 1.10% from $124,707,637 in July 2022 after not having shown a decline since February of 2021. Year-to-date figures, however, showed a slight uptick of 1.22%.
Average available purses per race day were up nearly 10% in July, rising to $291,567, a 9.56% increase from $266,124 in July 2022. Average field size was also in positive territory, up slightly from 6.94 last July to 7.05, a 1.60% rise.
Similarly, year to date, average available purses per race day rose 9.53% to $316,169 compared with $288,670. Average field size was up 1.85%.
Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators
For July 2023
| July 2023 vs. July 2022 | |||
| Indicator | July 2023 | July 2022 | % Change |
| Wagering on U.S. Races* | $1,067,688,807 | $1,144,093,082 | -6.68% |
| U.S. Purses (Available) | $123,332,940 | $124,707,637 | -1.10% |
| U.S. Purses (Paid) | $117,565,157 | $120,554,125 | -2.48% |
| U.S. Race Days | 423 | 453 | -6.62% |
| U.S. Races | 3,316 | 3,535 | -6.20% |
| U.S. Starts | 23,372 | 24,524 | -4.70% |
| Average Field Size | 7.05 | 6.94 | +1.60% |
| Average Wagering Per Race Day | $2,524,087 | $2,525,592 | -0.06% |
| Average Available Purses Per Race Day | $291,567 | $266,124 | +9.56% |
| YTD 2023 vs. YTD 2022 | |||
| Indicator | YTD 2023 | YTD 2022 | % Change |
| Wagering on U.S. Races* | $7,142,167,324 | $7,406,712,307 | -3.57% |
| U.S. Purses (Available) | $722,130,308 | $713,435,900 | +1.22% |
| U.S. Purses (Paid) | $693,924,397 | $687,611,733 | +0.92% |
| U.S. Race Days | 2,284 | 2,382 | -4.11% |
| U.S. Races | 18,730 | 19,405 | -3.48% |
| U.S. Starts | 137,177 | 139,538 | -1.69% |
| Average Field Size | 7.32 | 7.19 | +1.85% |
| Average Wagering Per Race Day | $3,127,043 | $3,109,451 | +0.57% |
| Average Available Purses Per Race Day | $316,169 | $288,670 | +9.53% |
* Includes worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races.
The post Economic Indicators For July Show Declines In Wagering, Race Days, Purses appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
