Mike Symons

🏇 The average Sydney & Melbourne Saturday race market percentages: *⃣ 2021 - Half 1 = 116.1% *⃣ 2021 - H2 = 116.4% *⃣ 2022 - H1 = 116.8% *⃣ 2022 - H2 = 117.9% *⃣ 2023 - H1 = 118.6% The 2023 figure of 118.6% doesn't paint the full picture: ▶️Jan to March = 118.1% ▶️Apr to June = 119.1% We are now in an era where 50% of Saturday Metro races in Sydney & Melbourne have an SP >119% Remember that more than ever now, the percentage decreases notably in the last few minutes of trading. Most of the trading time, it's a few points above these figures. Percentages are being driven up as wagering providers try to manage the impact of POC tax increases and race program restructuring to create more days where race field fee rules allow PRA's to charge higher rates. It doesn't matter that most punters may not be price sensitive. Simple maths says they will lose their money faster, becoming more prevalent if/when bonus bets/money-back incentives reduce. The result will mean players participate less often, and more become lost forever. As the impact continues to get washed out in reduced turnover, racing will play victim to various causes outside its control. It will almost certainly fail to acknowledge that its policy decisions over several years to consistently increase the cost of the game has played a significant role in reducing the activity of revenue-generating customers.