One of the key arguments made by the Australian Turf Club in its pitch to members to sell Rosehill is that racing’s popularity is on the decline. But the varying data on this crucial point reveals a much broader challenge for the racing industry.
A survey of 10,000 people, conducted and released by the NSW government last year, revealed that the percentage of people who bet on racing has slumped from 12.9 per cent in 2019 to 9.9 per cent last year.
Even more concerning for the racing industry, was the fact in 2011, that figure stood at 24 per cent.
The NSW Gambling Survey 2024 is conducted every five years by the NSW Responsible Gambling Fund and was cited in the Australian Turf Club’s extensive missive to members sent this week, as evidence of racing’s decline in popularity.
“Participation (by percentage of the population) in race betting in NSW has declined by 23.3% over the last five years (from 12.9% in 2019 to 9.9% in 2024). This represented the largest decline among major gaming and wagering activities,” the ATC document read.
“Online betting has provided greater access to other sports, which appear to be gaining market share.”
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