Daily handle in Maryland up slightly for 2013

Per day wagering on live races at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course in Maryland was up 4 percent in 2013 compared with live handle in 2012, according to figures released by the parent company of the tracks on Friday.

Average handle was $2.06 million, according to the figures, up from $1.97 million in 2012. There were 145 live racing days each year.

Total wagering on the tracks’ races was $298.2 million, compared with $286.3 million in 2012, according to the Maryland Jockey Club, which is owned by the Stronach Group. Purses at the two tracks were raised significantly this year due to subsidies from casinos in Maryland.

Average on-track wagering on live races was down 2 percent, according to the figures, to $183,000 a day.