Racetrack bets going down

Wagering at Kansas pari-mutuel racetracks dwindled for a fourth straight year in 2006, according to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission’s annual report.

The handle — or amount wagered — dipped to $79.7 million last year from $85.5 million in 2005. That’s a 6.83 percent decrease.

According to the report, 65 percent of the wagering took place at The Woodlands dog and horse racing track in Kansas City, Kan. Of the remainder, 34 percent took place at Wichita Greyhound Park.
Year Live betting Simulcast Total Change
1997 $51.2 million $57.8 million $109 million n/a
1998 $49.5 million $66.9 million $116.4 million +6.74%
1999 $43.7 million $72.1 million $115.8 million -0.50%
2000 $37.7 million $80.1 million $117.8 million +1.67%
2001 $26.5 million $77.5 million $104 million -11.7%
2002 $27.2 million $83.6 million $110.8 million +6.56%
2003 $26.7 million $75 million $101.7 million -8.26%
2004 $23.8 million $71 million $94.8 million -6.68%
2005 $20.3 million $65.2 million $85.5 million -9.81%
2006 $16.9 million $62.8 million $79.7 million -6.83%