A new state audit released Friday by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli shows off-track wagering dropped by $1.2 billion during the five-year period of 2009-2013 compared to the previous five-year span.
New York regulates five regional off-track betting corporations that operate parlors around the state.
The nearly 25 percent decrease came at a time when gamblers had more ways to wager than ever, at casinos, slot parlors and online.
DiNapoli says the dramatic decrease in wagering shows that the viability of off-track betting parlors is in jeopardy. He noted that OTB revenues for local municipalities are down by 42 percent from 2009 to 2013.
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