Overnight purses to go up at Laurel Park

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Laurel, MD (Sports Network) - Slot machine gambling has proven to be of benefit to the horse racing industry in Maryland. The Maryland Jockey Club announced Friday that overnight purses will increase, beginning February 2.

The daily purses are expected to go up by an average of $26,000 per day.

"This will give our racing office a chance to compete with surrounding states who have used revenue from slot machines to become significant players in the mid-Atlantic region," said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. "The purse increase should mean for larger and more competitive fields, meaning a boost in interest on our product from bettors around the country."

Laurel Park will see an increase of 16 percent in purses, from a daily average of $160,000 to $186,000.

The money is coming from slot machines at Hollywood Casino Perryville and The Casino at Ocean Downs.