Wagering up in May for USA

Columbus, OH – Total wagering on harness racing in the U.S. during May was up more than 10 percent despite a decrease of 166 races compared to May 2019, two years ago. The comparison to 2019 is due to the COVID-19 pandemic that limited races to only 154 in May 2020.

Through the first five months of this year, total handle on U.S. races is up $78,755,596 (11.96 percent) compared to 2019. This year, wagering through May 31 was $737,177,866 versus the $658,422,270 bet through the end of May in 2019.

The increase in wagering to $186,002,994 this May was an increase of $17,337,784 (10.28 percent) from the $168,665,210 bet in May 2019.

The 3,355 races in May 2021 was a 4.71 percent decrease compared to the 3,521 races in 2019.

For the year, the 12,280 races are 657 (-5.08 percent) less than the 12,937 races in 2019.

To see the monthly breakdown of wagering and races for 2021 and the comparisons with 2020 and 2019, click here.

To see current, year-to-date economic indicators, click here.

by Ken Weingartner, for the USTA