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Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (12)

Ramblings about pari-mutuel takeout rates, handle, slots, data, and whatever else.

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KY Downs Reduces Takeout Rates, Adds Wagers

Kentucky Downs has announced a reduction in takeout rates for all wagers during the six-day all-turf meet at the Franklin, Ky. track that begins Sept. 8.

Panel: Racing Should Invest in Pricing Study

Difficulty in obtaining pari-mutuel wagering pool data and detailed player data is a major hindrance to the racing industry determining the optimal price point for takeout rates, symposium speakers said Dec. 7.

Woodbine Reduces Takeout on Trifecta Wager

Woodbine Entertainment Group announced that the takeout on its triactor (trifecta) wager by 2% for the upcoming live Thoroughbred meet that begins April 2 at the Toronto, Canada track.

Horsemen: No Position Yet on Rebate Shops

The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association's board of directors will decide Jan. 18 whether to endorse an updated "white paper" on simulcasting, but it won't decide--at least for several months--its position on high-volume rebate operations.

Report: Industry Must Maximize Customer Benefits

A recently released report on wagering trends concludes the "handle up, purses down" situation isn't new, and that "incentive wagering service providers"--rebate operations--improve the competitiveness of the pari-mutuel industry.

Bill Seeks Takeout Hike to Cover Workers' Comp Costs

Legislation introduced by a California assemblyman would increase the pari-mutuel takeout on exotics wagers in Thoroughbred races by 0.5% to raise money to cover some workers' compensation costs. Quarter Horse and Standardbred takeout also would be increased to cover costs.

Timely Topic: 'The Cost of a Bet'

The timing couldn't be better. But it's pure coincidence the International Simulcast Conference, which begins Monday in Louisville, Ky., includes a panel discussion titled "The Cost of a Bet."

Hawthorne: Reduced Takeout Rates and Turf Racing

Hawthorne Race Course, which carried the Thoroughbred sport in the Chicago-area during a two-year dark period at Arlington Park in the late 1990s, will open May 1 for the first of two meets and feature reduced takeout rates on wagers. The meet will mark the return of grass to the Chicago racing calendar.