Racing contributes more than $5.5 billion to the Victorian economy and sustains over 33,450 full-time equivalent jobs across the state, an independent report has found.
Prepared by specialist consultancy IER, the 2026 Size and Scope of the Victorian Racing Industry report measures the combined economic, employment and community contribution of the state’s three racing codes – thoroughbred, harness and greyhound – and updates the last study, completed in 2022.
Key findings of the report include:
- Racing’s value-added contribution to the Victorian economy has climbed from $4.7 billion in 2018-19 to $5.54 billion, growth of 18 per cent;
- 46 per cent of that economic impact is in regional Victoria;
- The industry sustains 33,456 full-time equivalent jobs – including 15,755 positions within racing itself and over 17,700 in the businesses that supply and support it;
- In total, near on 100,000 roles occupied in the Victorian racing industry as a participant, employee or volunteer. Close to 80 per cent of these Victorian roles are in regional parts of the state;
- Direct expenditure has grown from $3.2 billion in 2018-19 to $3.9 billion, with 65 per cent of that spend occurring in regional Victoria; and
- 78,000 members are actively engaged in their racing clubs, with more than 1.6 million attendances recorded at Victorian race meetings in 2024-25.
Harness Racing Victoria chief executive officer Matt Issacs said the industry was proud of its significant contribution to Victorian racing and to the economic and social fabric of communities across the state.
“In 2024-25, more than 600 breeders produced foals that will support the future of an industry in which more than 1,000 trainers and drivers compete in over 3,600 races across 27 Victorian harness racing tracks, supported by more than 20,000 owners, volunteers, members and club staff,” Isaacs said.
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