Harness racing economic indicators down in 2025

At 0h02, on January 9, 2026 • By USTA Communications Department

All U.S. harness racing economic indicators across the board declined in 2025 compared to 2024. While race days declined by 2.51%, wagering decreased by more than 8% and purses were down 1.73%.

Total wagering for the year was $1,351,161, an 8.10% decrease and $119,114,666 less than the $1,470,658,827 wagered in 2024.

In 2025, $483,239,570 was distributed in purses in 33,412 races over 3,070 race days, $8,848,920 less than in 2024 when purses totaled $491,734,389 for 34,583 wagering races.

There were 3,149 race days in 2024, 79 more than 2025, a 2.51% decrease.

The amount wagered per betting interest decreased by 4.11% last year compared to 2024. In 2025, the average was $5,226, $79 less than the $5,456 from the year before.

Page 1 Copy 2 Created with Sketch. Related articles

16
Apr.

Blood Queen looks to keep progressing

By Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

For a while last year, trainer Ryan Miller thought female pacer Blood Queen might never get to the races. Now that the well-b...

Read more
16
Apr.

Sovereignty is favorite for Saturday’s $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap

By Robert Yates, Oaklawn Park

Reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty was installed the 4-5 program favorite for Saturday’s $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (...

Read more
16
Apr.

Today’s Picks on Thursday, April 16

By QJC Webmaster

Gulfstream (T) – 5th race: (6) SOUPER LANDSLIDE (Ron Nicoletti) Aqueduct (T) – 3rd race: (6) SOUNDS LIKE FUN (Andy Serli...

Read more