Bangor sets new benchmarks for wagering and purses

Bangor, Maine …  Bangor Raceway once again posted significant gains in both handle and purse distribution during their recently concluded 2026 meeting, building upon solid momentum gained during their, then record, 2025 season. 

Average daily handle eclipsed $134,420 over the course of Bangor’s 40 day 2026 season, easily out-distancing the, then record, $101,215 high point established in 2025, and dwarfing the $64,950 churn realized just four years prior in 2022.

Per race handle jumped significantly in 2026 compared to the year prior ($12,978 versus $10,339), even rising to $15,309 average through the 29 day spring/summer meet during Bangor Raceway’s high season. 

Bangor Raceway exceeded the $100,000 mark in handle during 33 of their 40 race dates in 2026, blowing away the previous best of 20 $100k handle days established in 2025. 

Purse distribution also skyrocketed over the recently concluded Bangor meeting with a record setting total of over $2-million in overnight purses, averaging yet another record, $50,625 per day, paid out in 2026. 

“By many measures, the 2026 racing season was an outstanding success for Bangor Raceway” said Thomas Smith, Jr, Bangor’s Racing Operations Manager, “We believe these results reflect the combined impact of several important improvements andinitiatives, including, heightened promotional efforts to generate greater awareness and excitement around racing; continued investment in the quality of our broadcast signal, including the addition of our new paddock camera, to enhance the viewing and wagering experience for our customers; full, competitive fields, which have played an important role in creating larger betting pools and more exciting wagering opportunities; and just as importantly, our continued focus on providing a welcoming, family-friendly environment, making Bangor Raceway a great place to spend the day.”

The 2026 racing meet will certainly be remembered as a special chapter in the history of Bangor Raceway. It was a season filled with great racing, memorable moments, outstanding performances, and a shared commitment to moving our sport forward. Achievements like these do not happen by chance. They are the result of a community of people working together toward a common goal.

We look forward to 2027 with great enthusiasm and are already planning additional improvements and initiatives to build on this year’s momentum. Our goal is to continue raising the bar and deliver yet another record-breaking season at Bangor Raceway. 

For complete information regarding live racing, simulcast wagering, gaming, dining, and hotel accommodations at Bangor’s Hollywood Casino and Raceway, please visit the website at www.hollywoodcasinobangor.com.

 

by Mike Sweeney for Bangor Raceway