Maryland betting down slightly in 2014

Wagering on races in Maryland declined slightly in 2014, according to figures released by the Maryland Jockey Club.

There were 142 days of racing at Laurel and Pimlico in 2014, three fewer than in 2013. Average daily handle on those cards was $2,215,500, a decrease of 1 percent from the 2013 average of $2,242,100.

In-state handle on Maryland races averaged $177,800 per program, down 4 percent from the $185,600 bet in 2013. Money wagered out of state on Maryland races averaged $2,037,700 per day, down 0.9 percent from the 2013 average of $2,056,500.

Total handle on the 142 racing programs held in Maryland last year was $314,600,000, a decrease of 3 percent from the $325,100,000 bet on 145 race cards in 2013.

The above figures include the Preakness card, which handled $83.5 million, 2.7 percent more than the $81.4 million bet in 2013. Money wagered in Maryland on incoming simulcasts is not included.