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Data Shows Decline in Horse Racing Sales in Nebraska

Courtesy Neb. Racing Commission
Courtesy Neb. State Racing Commission

(AP) — New data shows there’s been a steep decline in horse racing sales in Nebraska.

The Nebraska State Racing Commission released a report last month that shows wagers at thoroughbred tracks in the state fell from $78.8 million in 2012 to $68.3 million last year.

There’s only one weekend of live racing in Omaha and no permanent track in Lincoln. There were 89 days of live racing at Nebraska tracks in 2012, and 51 in 2013. Another 51-day schedule is set for 2014.

Racing advocates say the industry faces challenges, but there are bright spots like the Lincoln Race Course building, which offers simulcasts of races from around the country open to wagering. It doesn’t have a track, which officials say they plan to change.

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