Handle for 2009 hits lowest total since 1996
By Matt Hegarty
http://www.drf.com/news/article/109928.html
Handle on U.S. Thoroughbred races in 2009 plunged 9.9 percent compared to 2008, sending handle to its lowest level since 1996, according to Equibase, as the recession and myriad internal problems continued to hammer away at the U.S. racing industry's declining market share.
Betting on U.S. races, including wagers made in foreign countries, was $12.3 billion in 2009, down from $13.7 billion in 2008. Handle has declined 16.3 percent since 2007, when wagering on U.S. races was $14.7 billion.
Purse money distributed in U.S. races in 2009 was also down, but to a lesser degree than handle, due in large part to subsidies from slot machines at racetracks. According to Equibase, total purse distribution was $1.09 billion in 2009, down 5.6 percent compared to purse distribution of $1.16 billion in 2008. The 2009 figure is the lowest since 2005, when purses were $1.085 billion.