Public Opinion Survey (Including Animal Racing Issues)
This survey was commissioned by the Washington State Gambling Commission to explore the gambling practices of Washington State residents, their knowledge of gambling regulations, and their opinions on current policy issues. Though the majority of the study addresses non-animal issues, this survey does touch on animal racing, with 5% or less of the population betting on animal races.
Among the findings, 5% of respondents participated in gambling on animal races in the last year, although 28% have say they have ever participated in this form of gambling. A small 4% who had participated in the last year spent over $300 during that period. About 9% reported that they visited the track on a weekly basis.
An estimated 64% of respondents knew that horse racing is regulated, but only 6% had heard of the Horse Racing Commission (though 13% named the Gambling Commission). Another 21% of respondents knew that horse racing is regulated by a branch of state government, while 4% thought the activity was self-regulated.
http://www.wsgc.wa.gov/docs/survey_comp_rep.pdf