Atlantic City handle soars

Average daily all-sources wagering on races held at Atlantic City Race Course was up 300 percent for the meet that ended May 1 because of the widespread availability of its racing signal at out-of-state sites for the first time in 10 years, according to figures provided by the track.

The average daily figure of $543,325 for six days of racing was up 303 percent from the $134,655 figure posted last year, when wagers were only accepted on-track. Total handle for the six days this year was $3,259,953, compared to $807,932 last year.

Ontrack wagering was down 7.5 percent, from the $134,655 figure posted last year to $124,541. The Atlantic City racing signal was available at many tracks and simulcasting locations on the Eastern seaboard, so ontrack handle was expected to decline.

Atlantic City held a total of 37 races, all on the grass. The average field size was 10.5 horses per race.