NTRA Ups Prize, Expands 'Mystery Voucher' Promo

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The grand prize for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Mystery Mutuel Voucher promotion has been increased from $1 million to $1.25 million, effective with the Nov. 23 promotion. In 2002, the NTRA will offer four Mystery Mutuel Voucher promotions successively worth an additional $250,000 until the grand prize is won.

The tentative dates for the 2002 promotions are Saturday, April 13; Saturday, July 27; Saturday, Oct. 5; and Friday, Nov. 29. A similar schedule is planned for the 2003 promotions.

The coded tickets are redeemable for cash at participating racetracks and off-track betting facilities and are direct-mailed in local markets. Vouchers worth $4.3 million in prizes, including the $1 million grand prize, were circulated to 1.23 million consumers in the NTRA's most recent promotion, held on July 28.

With a voucher redemption rate of 8.29%, the promotion resulted in overall increases of 17.27% in attendance and 10.82% in handle.

The July 28 promotion was highlighted by handle increases of 277% at Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort, 88% at Arlington Park, 60% at Calder Race Course, and 46% at Pimlico Race Course and Canterbury Park Racetrack and Card Club. Mountaineer topped the list for increases in attendance with a 186% jump. Other tracks with attendance increases included Canterbury (163%), Pimlico (95%); Hoosier Park (84%); Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino (70%), and Calder (60%).

The inaugural Mystery Mutuel Voucher promotion, held in August of last year,carried total prizes of $3.7 million and had a ticket redemption rate of 7.7%. No one has yet cashed a grand prize voucher.

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