With Handle Up, Tampa Bay Hikes Purses 5%

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(from Tampa Bay Downs report)
Tampa Bay Downs officials announced that effective April 3, purses will be increased by 5%.

The increase brings average daily projected purses to a new all-time record level of $133,500 per day, eclipsing last year's previous record purses of $128,000 per day.

In addition, allowance winners will receive a further boost of $500 per race in FOA awards.

The purse increases are possible due to all-source wagering on Tampa being up $48 million, or 26%, according to Peter Berube, track vice president and general manager.

Daily average all source handle is up $640,000 per day, averaging $3.1 million per day through 75 days of the track's 94-day meet. On-track live handle is up 23% or $4.1 million. Attendance is up 13%.

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