Total Handle Plummets at Ellis Park Meet
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Compared with 2012, average all-sources pari-mutuel handle declined 17% at the recently completed Ellis Park summer meet, a decrease the track attributes to new competition and fewer off-track wagering outlets in Kentucky.
Ellis Park reported average all-sources daily handle of $1,189,274 for its 29-day meet that concluded Sept. 2. In a release the Henderson, Ky., track noted that it faced new competition from Gulfstream Park, which added summer dates this year, and fewer off-track betting locations as three of the state's OTB establishments closed since its 2012 meet.
On-track handle also declined 8% to an average daily handle of $200,349.
The track did report an increase in average daily attendance to 3,868. Average field size for 2013 was 8.1 horses per race versus 8.4 last year.
The Instant Racing parlor celebrated its one-year anniversary Aug. 31. Historical race wagers totaled $5.8 million during the live racing season, Ellis Park reported.
Average daily Instant Racing handle during live racing days was up 30% from off-season days in 2013. Revenue generated from the 187 historical race wagering devices will go toward purses for the 2013 and 2014 live racing seasons at Ellis Park.