Economic Indicators: June Wagering Jumps 10.31 Percent
An additional two weekend days on 2024 calendar, plus record Belmont Stakes Racing Festival wagering led to increase
Wagering on U.S. Thoroughbred horse racing topped $1 billion in June, a 10.31 percent increase over June 2023. Despite the June jump, second quarter (April-June) and year-to-date (Jan.-June) wagering figures on U.S. racing are down, 0.45 percent for the quarter and 2.05 percent year to date.
Part of the explanation for the monthly increase is due to the way the calendar fell in June of 2023 versus in 2024; last year's June included four Saturdays and four Sundays, while this year's June included five Saturdays and five Sundays. Wagering is higher on weekends vs. weekdays.