Despite initial resistance from some of the major American racetrack operators, reduced minimum increment wagers such as 10-cent superfectas and 50-cent Pick 4s seem to be a big hit with the everyday racing fan.
(Click here to read Thoroughbred Times Senior Writer Frank Angst's story on the topic.)
I know I love them. I never played a superfecta until the 10-cent option was made available. The Pick 4 is one of my favorite bets, and my action has consistently steered toward tracks that offer a combination of good racing and a 50-cent pick 4, such as Gulfstream Park and Keeneland.
Even if the reduced minimums do not send handle sky-rocketing, allowing more fans to participate at an affordable unit wager is a good thing for racing.
The only bet that reduced minimums might not be a good thing for is the pick six. A $2 minimum makes it a very difficult bet for recreational players to cover, but the degree of difficulty in hitting a pick 6 is what makes all those monster carryovers possible.
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4 comments:
Chris Scherf, executive Vice President of the TRA, is certainly destined for a high ranking job in our federal government with his latest call for a detailed study on the impact of the 10 cent superfecta wager. I have a suggestion how to conclude the study in 30 seconds and it comes right from Chris Scherf himself who was quoted as saying “The
wager has created goodwill with handicappers.” Case closed. Study concluded.
You have forward thinkers like the team at Sam Houston and Charles Hayward who not only have seen a positive impact in their pools, but understand first and foremost their customers applaud it, play it, and benefit from it. Eric Johnson also stated that the wager serves as a great introduction to new players.
The sad part about the introduction of the 10 cent Supers was that Sam Houston and other early tracks to carry the wager like Hawthorne Racecourse not only received plenty of flak from within the industry, but also certainly from traditionalists within their own organizations. Welcome to the glory of being an innovator in horseracing Eric.
Horseracing would benefit from being more market driven vs. giving horseplayers the same old thing for 100 years. The 10 cent superfecta makes horseracing more exciting, provides a chance to win big for a minimal investment, and provides a challenge for skilled players. Sounds like what our casino counterparts have become so good at marketing.
So Chris, do the TRA and horseracing a favor and don’t waste a DIME on your study and spend that time working toward promoting the wager to potential new fans who will also benefit from the “goodwill” you yourself acknowledge.
Joe Scurto, President
Horseshoe Marketing
One of my co-workers just shared a story about a friend who visited for the Keeneland spring meet. He was not a horseplayer going in, maybe placed a bet on Derby day here and there. He played 10-cent supers all day long at Keeneland and he continues to play them to this day.
I am primarily a win bettor and a PK4 player. With the advent of the 50-cent PK4, I am not betting any less... I am now getting twice as many combos for the same expense... I can't get enough of the 50-cent PK4!
Looking forward to taking a crack at a 50-cent PK4 on Bluegrass Day. Keeneland still offers it, right?
Yes, Keeneland still offers the 50-cent pick 4.
Put me down for 25% of your ticket!
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