The World Series of Handicapping, racing’s longest-tenured handicapping contest, will have its 2011 opening round Saturday, April 30, at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. Entrants can play at Penn National or one of its off-track wagering facilities in Reading, Lancaster, and Chambersburg, Pa.
The WSH debuted in 1977 at Penn National. This year’s event will begin with the April 30 competition, followed by a summer contest on July 16, and the finals on Saturday, Oct. 15. First prize at the two opening sessions will be at least $7,500, and the fall finale will carry a $25,000 guaranteed prize to the winner.
Unlike most other handicapping contests, the WSH will allow players to bet on all Thoroughbred tracks simulcast at Penn National from noon through the fourth live race on the evening Penn National program.
“Most bettors have their favorite tracks, and we want everyone to have the opportunity to use their handicapping skills at any track they follow, “said Mark Loewe, Penn National’s vice president of racing. “And we are also introducing a Buy-In option for the first three hours of the contest that will let players re-enter if they don’t fare well with their early picks.”
Entry fee for the spring and summer contests is $200, with $150 going directly to the prize fund. The remaining $50 will be on a live betting account. There is win betting only, and players must make a minimum of five (5) wagers to qualify for the contest. There is no minimum and/or maximum bet per race, and wagers can only be made on one (1) horse per race.
The entry fee for the final round is $500, with $400 to the prize pool and a $100 live account card. Bettors that play in one or both of the preliminary rounds will receive discounted rates for entry into the finals.
Complete information on the 2011 WSH is available at the racing link at www.hcpn.com, or at guest services at Penn National or any of its four Off-Track sites.
