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

Bangor Raceway reported that average daily handle eclipsed $134,420 (USD) over the course of the 40-day 2026 season, easily out-distancing the previous record of $101,215 USD established in 2025 and dwarfing the $64,950 USD churn realized just four years prior in 2022.

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

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

Purse distribution also skyrocketed over the recently concluded Bangor meeting with a record-setting total of more than $2 million USD in overnight purses, averaging yet another record, $50,625 USD 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 and initiatives, 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. Bangor Raceway management stated that achievements like these do not happen by chance; they are the result of a community of people working together toward a common goal.

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

(With files from Bangor Raceway)