Keeneland reported record betting for the just completed fall race meet in Lexington. Stu Johnson reports, much of that wagering didn’t take place at the historic bluegrass track.
All sources wagering for the 17 day meet exceeded $144 million. That figure surpassed the previous record of $139.6 set during fall racing in 2013. Keeneland Director of Wagering Development Jim Goodman says the vast majority of betting took place far away from the Lexington track. “So there are around 800 sites. You think about say the state of Illinois for example might have one or two major racetracks, but they might have 20 off track betting facilities. So, it’s a number of different racetracks, but it’s also off track better facilities in a number of state,” said Goodman.
Over the last five years, Goodman estimates on-line wagering by phone or computer has increased 30 to 40%. On track attendance and wagering were down slightly compared to a year ago.
