The Maryland Jockey Club concluded the 2008 racing season with average
wagering figures 22.5 percent lower than 2007. All sources handle totaled $668.1
million as compared to $875.8 million the previous year. Racing 14 fewer days in
2008, the daily handle decreased from nearly $3.8 million to just over $2.9
million each day.
Wagering figures for the 17-week Laurel Park fall meeting were 39 percent
lower than a year ago. Numbers for the Laurel Park winter (down 17%) and Pimlico
Race Course spring (down 16 percent) stands were also down from the previous year.
The signature day of the year was a success as a crowd of 112,222 packed
Pimlico on May 17, 2008 for the 13-race card headlined by the Preakness S. (G1),
the middle jewel of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. Attendance figures have
now topped six-figures in nine of the last 10 years, including eight straight.
Preakness day wagering finished at more than $73 million, the fifth largest in
the 133-year history of the event.
On November 4, 2008 Maryland voters approved the proposed state
constitutional amendment authorizing the General Assembly to issue licenses for
the installation and operation of up to 15,000 video lottery terminals at five
locations. Support for the measure garnered 59% of the vote.
Laurel Park is a potential site for 4,750 machines to be located in Anne
Arundel County and the Maryland Jockey Club will apply for a license.
“The passage of the slots referendum gives us hope that we will be able to
turn the table in the near future,” said Tom Chuckas, Maryland Jockey Club
president and chief operating officer. “Our goal is to move forward and grow the
business. We want to expand the hospitality, with racing as the key ingredient,
and get people interested in coming back to the track.”