The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships held at Del Mar generated a significant $125 million economic impact for the San Diego region, driven largely by out-of-town visitors who accounted for 61% of the 43,705 attendees. Visitor spending extended beyond the event itself, with $38.7 million spent on hotels, dining, retail, and entertainment, and the average visiting party spending approximately $5,455 over a 2.5-night stay. The event not only supported over 1,000 jobs but also enhanced the region’s reputation, with a majority of attendees expressing intentions to return and a more favorable impression of San Diego.

In contrast, the horse racing industry faces challenges such as a 7.1% decline in pari-mutuel handle in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous year, despite only a slight reduction in race days. Additionally, concerns have emerged around prediction markets like Polymarket, where anonymous traders have profited from insider information on sensitive geopolitical events, prompting calls for federal investigations. This highlights the risks associated with unregulated gambling platforms compared to traditional, regulated wagering systems.