Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said the findings of the survey were very different to the raw numbers.
“For example, in Tasracing’s 2022/23 annual report, wagering turnover on greyhounds alone totaled nearly $320 million for the reporting period,” he said.
“And wagering turnover across the three codes has increased by 40 per cent over the past five years. Attendance figures at race meetings are good, participant numbers are solid and field sizes are strong.
“The economic contribution to the state is also growing – an independent report found in 2021/22 that the Tasmanian racing industry generated close to $208 million in value-added contribution to the Tasmanian economy – 40 per cent of which directly benefited regional economies, with more than 6,400 individuals either employed, direct participants or volunteers. These are strong figures.
“Regarding the funding of the industry in Tasmania, it is important to remember that funding for the industry is provided as compensation for the Labor Government of the day selling TOTE Tasmania which was, until then, self-funded.
“Commercial revenue outside the compensation deed has increased by about 130 per cent over the past five years via mechanisms such as Race Field Fees, media rights and sponsorship.”