SA Racing delivers for Jobs, Regions and the Economy

The South Australian racing industry is now worth $729.3 million to the state’s economy and supports 5,041 FTE roles in direct and indirect employment, underlining the importance of the industry’s economic, social and community contribution.

The figures headline the findings of the new Economic, Social & Community Benefits of the South Australian Racing Industry report by leading sports industry specialists IER.

Commissioned by the state’s three racing codes – thoroughbred, greyhound and harness racing – the report’s findings for 2024/25 include:

  • The racing industry was responsible for generating $729.3 million in value-added contribution to the South Australian economy
    • $589.1 million was recorded as direct racing industry expenditure, with wages, salaries and profits creating a value-added impact of $294.7 million
    • A further $434.6 million in indirect flow-on effects takes the industry’s total value-added contribution to $729.3 million, of which thoroughbred racing generated $519.1 million, greyhound racing $131.2 million and harness racing $79 million
  • Direct employment grew by more than 3% in 2024/25 to 2,914 FTE, with indirect employment increasing to 5,041 FTE
  • 16,314 people participated in the South Australian racing industry as an employee, participant or volunteer, representing a 5.6% increase over the previous year
  • Attendances of 266,483 were recorded across a total of 805 race meetings
  • Owners raced for more than $73 million in prizemoney across the three codes

The report reinforced racing’s contribution across the state, with 36% of the industry’s economic contribution directly benefiting regional economies. Additionally, more than 50% of those participating in the industry as an employee, participant or volunteer were in regional communities.

The report also provides an in-depth analysis of racing’s social impact, including that racing clubs financially support and assist more than 120 community organisations and charities across the state through events, facility use and donations.

Racing SA Chair, Rob Rorrison, said the report confirms what we have known about our industry – that it is a key contributor to the economic and social fabric of our state.

“This strength is being reflected at every level of thoroughbred racing in South Australia, including in our field sizes, which, at 10.8 starters per race, are the best in the nation.

“The strategic path we are taking to grow our industry is benefiting not only racing but also our state as a whole.”

Greyhound Racing SA Chair David Lewis, said the report is important in shining a light on the true impact that racing has on South Australia.

“It makes us even more determined to ensure greyhound racing can continue to deliver these returns for our industry and for the communities that rely on us for the critical economic, employment and social outcomes that racing delivers.”

Carlo D’Ortenzio, the Chair of Harness Racing SA said the report reaffirms their confidence in the long term future of harness racing in South Australia.

“Harness racing continues to experience growth in jobs and participation across South Australia, and that is being reflected in the fact that we are fast approaching $80 million in economic impact.

“This reaffirms our confidence in the long-term future of harness racing in South Australia and the next generation of participants.”

 

 

 

Please find link to report here