Economic Indicators for September Show Across-the-Board Declines

Total wagering, purses, and race dates in the U.S. this September were all down from their 2013 levels, according to economic indicators released on Saturday by Equibase. Statistics for the third quarter of 2014 also show declines from the third quarter of 2013.

National wagering this September suffered a 10.55% decline from last year's total, purses were down 5.73%, and there were 6.12 percent fewer race dates in September 2014 than there were twelve months previous. Total U.S. races and starts also were down from last year's levels.

Third quarter economic indicators also show declines in all categories. Total wagering declined 4.15% from the third quarter of 2013, and race days were down 3.05%.

In addition to September and third quarter statistics, year-to-date economic indicators show across-the-board declines this year from 2013.

Chart courtesy of Equibase

September 2014 vs. September 2013

Indicator	September 2014	September 2013	% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*	$693,548,821	$775,340,152	-10.55%
U.S. Purses	$104,709,785	$111,075,003	-5.73%
U.S. Race Days	445	474	-6.12%
U.S. Races	3,706	3,978	-6.84%
U.S. Starts	28,532	30,922	-7.73%

3rd QTR 2014 vs. 3rd QTR 2013

Indicator	3rd QTR 2014	3rd QTR 2013	% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*	$2,725,670,540	$2,843,744,671	-4.15%
U.S. Purses	$333,055,700	$344,460,948	-3.31%
U.S. Race Days	1,528	1,576	-3.05%
U.S. Races	12,394	12,949	-4.29%
U.S. Starts	94,317	99,536	-5.24%

YTD 2014 vs. YTD 2013

Indicator	YTD 2014	YTD 2013	% Change
Wagering on U.S. Races*	$8,235,169,847	$8,449,302,949	-2.53%
U.S. Purses	$846,451,248	$859,844,115	-1.56%
U.S. Race Days	3,914	4,007	-2.32%
U.S. Races	32,363	33,755	-4.12%
U.S. Starts	244,549	261,987	-6.66%

* Includes worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races.