On-course bookmakers in Ireland have seen a 14 percent drop in turnover in the first six months of 2008, compared with the same period in 2007, reports the Irish Examiner.
The bookmakers took in 82.7 million euros, or $130.4 million in H1 2007. So far in 2008, figures are at 69.4 million euros, or $109.4 million.
Jason Morris, director of racing for Horse Racing Ireland told the newspaper that the figures weren't shocking with the state of the economy.
"It been an ongoing trend for a while given the slowdown in the economy and the half-year figures reflected that situation."
Mr. Morris said the decline may also be related to bettors' trend toward Internet betting.
The Tote's revenue has also declined 279 thousand euros, or $440,000, in total turnover for the period to 25.7 million euros, or $40.5 million.