2011 HANDICAPPING SURVEY OF CASINOS, RACETRACKS AND ON-LINE CONTESTS

Transcription

1 2011 HANDICAPPING SURVEY OF CASINOS, RACETRACKS AND ON-LINE CONTESTS

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 The Conditions: Introduction to the project including a brief history and an executive summary Introduction.1 History on handicapping.. 2 Executive Summary Past Performances: Overview of the 1999 RTIP student project Overview of past project 4 3 The Players: Participants in the survey-listed by groups in casinos, racetracks and on-line Las Vegas Casinos. 5-6 Racetracks 6-8 On-Line websites Present Performances: Essay analysis of survey results focusing on cost and prizes Cost (Highest entry fees) 9-11 Prizes Post Positions: Charts and graphs displaying survey results Statistical Information

3 6 Down the Stretch: Narrative of contest highlights National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA).. 16 LAS VEGAS CASINOS CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT: Bally s, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrahs Paris, Planet Hollywood, THE Rio CANTER GAMING: M Resort and Palazzo/Venetian..18 COAST CASINOS: Gold Coast..19 THE Orleans...20 MGM/MIRAGE: Aria, Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay MGM Grand, Mirage, Monte Carlo, NY NY...21 STATIONS CASINOS: Aliante Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Station Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Red Rock Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station...22 Hilton Las Vegas...23 Palms Casino Resort and South Point..24 Treasure Island...25

4 Wynn Las Vegas..26 RACETRACKS CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED: Arlington Park Calder Race Course...31 Churchill Downs Fair Grounds HARRAHS Louisiana Downs.36 MTR GAMING INC: Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort...36 Presque Isle Downs & Casino..36 NEW YORK RACING ASSOCIATION (NYRA): Aqueduct..37 Belmont Park...38 Saratoga Race Course...39 PENN NATIONAL GAMING INCORPORATED: Hollywood Casino at Charles Town...40 Hollywood Casinos at Penn National..40 THE STRONACH GROUP: Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino 41 Santa Anita Park

5 WOODBINE ENTERTAINMENT: Mohawk and Woodbine Canterbury Park Racetrack & Card Club Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Delaware Park Racing Slots & Golf Ellis Park...60 Hastings Park...61 Hollywood Park Hoosier Park Racing & Casino...64 Indiana Downs...65 Keeneland...66 Laurel Park...67 Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie Monmouth Park Parx Racing...73 Sam Houston Race Park...74 Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino...75 OFF-TRACK BETTING Surfside Race Place HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICA Buffalo Raceway 79 Freehold Raceway...80

6 Harrington Raceway...81 Maywood Park...81 Northfield Park...81 Running Aces Harness Park Saratoga Casino & Raceway...84 OTHER HARNESS TRACKS Meadowlands THE Meadows..91 Northlands Park...91 GREYHOUND TRACK Palm Beach Kennel Club..92 HORSE RACING WEBSITES BetPtc/Equibase...93 Brisnet...94 THE BloodHorse...94 Cap2Win.95 Horse Tourneys Public Handicapper TwinSpires I think I picked the winner: Personal experience with handicapping contests 2002 Fair Grounds DRF/NTRA Qualifier, Excalibur and THE Orleans Las Vegas,

7 Public Handicapper, Del Mar & Santa Anita Internet Photo Finish: Closing remarks and personal Interview with photo of a NHC member Analysis of the Project Personal Preference of playing contests..109 Perspective from a professional player No Inquiries: Copies of the contest rules and project survey Appendix A Official Rules (Alphabetically) Appendix B Project Survey 10 The Recap: Information on how to get a copy of the completed project Instructions of obtaining a copy

8 1 THE CONDITIONS The purpose of the 2011 Handicapping Contest project is to compare, contrast and provide industry executives a benchmarking tool for handicapping contests. A total of 91 racetracks, casinos and on-line websites that offered contests in the last five years were selected to participate in the survey. Various thoroughbred, harness, greyhound racetracks and on-line websites were sent the survey via . The casinos surveyed were located in Las Vegas and the author of this project personally visited 33 Race & Sportsbooks. He met with sports book directors and managers to complete the surveys. 47 of the participants expressed an interest in receiving a copy of the results. The author of this document is a senior in the Race Track Industry Program at the University of Arizona and completed this work for his capstone project. Being an avid lifelong racing fan, the author had a high interest in the topic of this project since handicapping is his favorite part of the game. Furthermore, a project of this nature has not been conducted since 1999 and requires updating to reflect current rules and regulations. This project explores the most up to date information on handicapping contests and is exceedingly in depth regarding today s handicapping contest. 1

9 HISTORY: The early form of handicapping contests may date back to 1974, with the World Series of Handicapping (WSH) at Penn National. Charley Eckman, a legendary Radio Sportscaster for the Baltimore Orioles, the Baltimore Colts, and Thoroughbred Racing s World Series of Handicapping Speaker Extraordinaire, is credited with giving the event great coverage. On September 17, 1987, Delaware Park advertised a contest named in his honor. Penn National s WSH, the first major contest of its kind; consisted of professional horseplayers as well as amateurs. The three-day event attracted handicappers from all over the country who qualified in earlier preliminary rounds at the racetrack. The field was comprised of seeded public handicappers, authors and sports personalities with over a hundred contestants. Andrew Beyer, the speed figures genius of the Washington Post, entered the 1978 World Series as the post-time favorite. Picking winners is only part of the game; money management, mainly determining how much to bet on a race and whether to bet to win, place or show becomes a critical factor. The WSH once awarded a $100,000 first prize to winners. Now, the DRF and the NTRA has joined together to host a championship contest in Las Vegas each January, since

10 Executive Summary The project is laid out to give the reader informational and statistical data regarding contests/tournaments held in recent years. It outlines rules and regulations of the different venues which play host. Handicapping contests offered through casinos and racetracks have declined in recent years. Las Vegas casinos offer qualifying contest because of the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship and the Horse Players World Series (HPWS) held by Coast Casinos. Racetracks have changed the way contests are now conducted. Current economic conditions make for a situation that has become less feasible to host as many of these contest unlike past years. There is no longer a breakeven point and costs have virtually risen dramatically with significant profit loses. In general, contest players are not your big bettors; therefore small residual benefits, if any are generated. Handicapping contest, however are exciting to handicappers and a great part of measuring their abilities against the best from around the country. On-line websites have become the wave of the future. Easy sign-up and log-in procedure makes things convenient and provides more economical means of playing for contestants. The on-line host sites provide players good prize money and spots to both the NHC and the HPWS. 3

11 2 PAST PERFORMANCES In 1999 a senior in the Race Track Industry Program at the University of Arizona completed a capstone project entitled A Survey of Track Handicapping Contests Rules- Suggestions-Potential. This project conducted a 9 question survey from 22 participants that consisted of Las Vegas Race & Sportsbook, Thoroughbred, Harness and greyhound racetracks. Three professional handicappers were also interviewed. The data gathered centered on entry fees, number of contestants, and betting format. Suggestions were made to reach goals of handicapping contests that include customer satisfaction, revenue and new customers. The study then supplied copies of rules from the various participants. Given the small number of participants in the survey and the broad range of contest diversities offered to date, the past project is determined to be out-dated in presenting a true picture of handicapping contests. 4

12 3 THE PLAYERS The participants in the survey are listed below and grouped by Casinos, Racetracks and On-line sites. Those who had a contest in the last 5 years are indicated in Green. A. CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT Ballys * 2006 Caesars Palace Flamingo Harrahs Paris Planet Hollywood The Rio B. CANTER GAMING The M Resort Palazzo/Venetian C. COAST CASINOS Gold Coast THE Orleans Sun Coast LAS VEGAS CASINOS D. MGM/MIRAGE GROUP Aria Bellagio Excalibur * 2007 (Official rules not available) Luxor Mandalay Bay MGM Grand Mirage Monte Carlo New York New York E. STATIONS CASINOS Aliante Station. Boulder Station Fiesta Station Green Valley Ranch Palace Station Rainbow Hotel and Casino in Reno * 2006 (Official rules not available) 5

13 Red Rock Hotel and Casino Santa Fe Station Sunset Station Texas Station F. THE Las Vegas Hilton G. PALMS Casino Resort/South Point H. Treasure Island I. Wynn Las Vegas RACETRACKS 1. CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED Arlington Park Calder Race Course * 2007 (Official rules not available) Churchill Downs Fair Grounds Racing & Slots 2. HARRAHS Louisiana Downs * 2010 (Official rules not available) 3. MARYLAND JOCKEY CLUB (MDJC) Laurel Park * MTR GAMING INCORPORATED Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort Presque Isle Downs & Casino * 2008 (Official rules not available) 5. NEW YORK RACING ASSOCIATION (NYRA) Aqueduct * 2010 Belmont Park Saratoga Race Course 6. PENN NATIONAL GAMING INORPORATED Hollywood Casinos at Charlestown Hollywood Casinos at Penn National 7. THE STRONACH GROUP Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino Santa Anita Park 6

14 8. WOODBINE ENTERTAINMENT Mohawk Woodbine 9. Canterbury Park Racetrack & Card Club 10. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club 11. Delaware Park Racing Slots & Golf 12. Ellis Park 13. Hastings Park 14. Hollywood Park 15. Hoosier Park Racing & Casino 16. Indiana Downs 17. Keeneland Race Course 18. Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie 19. Monmouth Park 20. Parx Racing 21. Sam Houston Race Park 22. Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino * Buffalo Raceway 24. Freehold Park * 2008 HARNESS TRACK OF AMERICA 25. Harrington Raceway (Official rules not available) 26. Maywood Park 27. Northfield Park (Official rules not available) 7

15 28. PlainRidge 29. Running Aces Harness Park 30. Saratoga Raceway (Official rules not available) 31. Meadowlands OTHER HARNESS TRACKS 32. THE Meadows (Official rules not available) 33. Northlands Park 34. Palm Beach Kennel Club 35. BetPtc.com (through Equibase Site) GREYHOUND TRACK ON-LINE SITES 36. Brisnet.com (Official rules not available) 37. THE BloodHorse.com (information provided on SovereignStables.com) 38. Cap2Win.com 39. HorseTourneys.com 40. PublicHandicapper.com 41. TwinSpires.com An asterisk (*) with the year behind it indicates the last time a handicapping contest occurred at the facility listed. 8

16 4 Present Performances Current year contests listed in order of entry fees from highest to lowest HANDICAPPING CONTESTS Site Entry Fee Field Size Grand Prize (s) Churchill Downs $10,000 unlimited $175,000 plus 6 spots into the NHC Del Mar $6, $40,000 plus 5 spots into the NHC Hollywood Park $2,000 unlimited $5,000 plus 3 spots into the NHC Wynn Las Vegas $2,000 unlimited $50,000 plus 2 spots into the NHC Saratoga $1, $75,000 plus 3 spots into the NHC TwinSpires $1,000 unlimited $100,000 plus 50 spots to NHC or HPWS Meadowlands $ $20,000 (40% of the prize pool) THE Orleans $ $87,500 plus 25 spots into the HPWS Belmont Park $ $35,000 plus 3 spots into the NHC Gold Coast $ $70,000 plus 5 spots into the HPWS Treasure Island $400 unlimited 50% of all entry fees Fair Grounds $ % of prize pool plus 10 spots into NHC Surfside Race $ $25,000 plus 10 spots into the NHC HorseTourney $ Cash prizes plus 4 spots into the NHC Harrington $150 unlimited 1 spot into the NHC Hastings Park $150 unlimited $10,800 plus 4 spots NHC Delaware Park $100 unlimited $15,000 plus 5 spots into the HPWS 9

17 2011 HANDICAPPING CONTESTS Site Entry Fee Field Size Grand Prize (s) Laurel Park $ $5,000 plus 3 spots into the HPWS Northlands Park $100 unlimited Cash prizes Parx Racing $100 unlimited 3 spots into the NHC Penn National $100 unlimited 60% of the prize pool plus Santa Anita $50 unlimited 3 spots into the NHC Delaware Park $ Each month's winner to HPWS Hilton Las Vegas $30 unlimited 50% of the prize pool Stations Casino $25 unlimited $10,000 cash Woodbine Ent. $25 unlimited $2,500 plus 1 spot into the NHC Buffalo Raceway $20 unlimited $500 plus 1 spots into the NHHC South Point $20 unlimited 65% of prize pool and progressive chance Canterbury Park $10 unlimited $2,000 plus 1 spot into the HPWS THE Meadows $5 unlimited Cash prizes Running Aces $5 unlimited $125 (60% of the prize pool) Arlington Park $0 unlimited $175 plus 1 spot into the HPWS BetPtc $0 unlimited Cash prizes Brisnet $0 unlimited Cash prizes plus regional contest Cap2Win $0 unlimited Cash prizes Gulfstream Park $0 unlimited $75,000 plus 15 spots into the NHC Hoosier Park $0 unlimited $1,000 cash

18 2011 HANDICAPPING CONTESTS Site Entry Fee Field Size Grand Prize (s) Indiana Downs $0 unlimited Cash prizes Keeneland $0 unlimited 2 spots into the HPWS Lone Star Park $0 450 $1,500 plus 6 spots into the NHC Monmouth Park $0 unlimited 1 spot into the NHC Northfield Park $0 unlimited Cash prizes PB Kennel Club $0 unlimited Cash prizes PublicHandicapper $0 unlimited $500, a trophy plus 1 spot into the NHC Sam Houston $0 unlimited $400 plus 4 VIP TIXs to Breeders' Cup The above charts list any site that held a handicapping contest in It is broken down, first by highest entry fees, then alphabetically. The chart represents the largest entry fee charged from each site and determines the level of prizes awarded to the contestants. NEWS FLASH: A press release by Twin Spires dated Tuesday, November 15, reveals that the site is hosting an Online Handicapping Championship on November 19. The event requires a $1,000 entry fee and will offer the winner a guaranteed $100,000. Contest officials also guaranteed 50 seats to the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship or Coast Casinos Horseplayer World Series. The prize pool offered makes it the richest guaranteed online tournament ever in racing. 11

19 5 Post Positions Charts and Graphs displaying survey results 12

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22 Above are seven charts that were constructed utilizing Survey Monkey from which 91 responses were recorded. The charts identify the types of properties that participated in the 2011 Handicapping Contest Survey. It shows that a large percentage of contests were offered in the current year and involved more than one-hundred players. The types of prizes, goals and budgeted items are also represented in the charts. 15

23 6 DOWN THE STRETCH SUMMARY OF OFFICIAL RULES New this year per NTRA: All contestants at qualifying tournaments must pay a one-time annual NTRA membership fee of $45 in order to be eligible to compete at the National Championship; otherwise they compete for purse money only. NTRA gives members a unique opportunity to qualify through a series of handicapping contest. Approximately $2,000,000 in prize money will be available for NHC XIII to be held January 27-28, 2012 at Treasure Island in Las Vegas. The winner may receive both $1,000,000 and NTRA Handicapper of the Year at the 2012 Eclipse Awards. In past years the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship took place at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Bally s, and Red Rock Hotel & Casino. The contest carries no entry fee because contestants must qualify through tournament sponsored events. Qualified players must place 30 - $2 win/place wagers over a two day period where 15 wagers are placed on Friday and another 15 placed on Saturday. Eight races each day are mandatory plays with the other seven involving option plays on any of the contest tracks. Traditionally, the mandatory plays involve races at Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, Santa Anita, Oaklawn Park, Golden Gate Fields, Laurel Park, and the Fair Grounds. 16

24 LAS VEGAS CASINOS Among the Caesars Entertainment group there is not one casino that has held any form of handicapping contest within the last five years except Bally s. The group consists of: Bally s, Casears Palace, Flamingo, Harrahs, Imperial Palace, Paris, Planet Hollywood, and the Rio. 17

25 WIN A PLACE TO THE BIG SHOW HORSE HANDICAPPING TOURNAMENT 2006 LAST SHOT TO THE DRF/NTRA CHAMPIONSHIP Bally s last year of hosting the Championship was in Their contest offered a $250 entry fee with $200 added to the DRF/NTRA tournament pool and $50 returned as prize money. A live bankroll of $750 was utilized to purchase a contest voucher with a two entry per person limit. Players selected a total of 15 contest races of choice. The wagering format was win, place, show, quinellas, exactas, and trifectas. PRIZES 1 st place received 50% of the contest value 2 nd place received 30% of the contest value 3 rd place received 20% of the contest value The top 2 qualifiers received a berth in the NHC. Bally s in cooperation with the NTRA may assign an alternate qualifier to participate in the championship tournament depending on a particular situation. The M Resort & Casino along with the Palazzo and Venetian Casinos does not offer any form of handicapping contest on racing as Cantor Gaming properties cater to high-end sports wagering. 18

26 THE $200,000 SUMMER CLASSIC HANDICAPPING CHAMPIONSHIP 2011 The Summer Classic has a $400 entry fee which included special and premium room rates along with a daily lunch buffet. There was $200,000 in prize money based on 500 entrants. Contestants make 15 mythical win and place wagers. [The win odds are capped at 20-1 and the place odd at 10/1] PRIZES 1 st Place - $70,000 (6 th 10 th ) Place - $4,000 each 2 nd Place - $24,000 (11 th - 20 th ) Place - $2,000 each 3 rd Place - $10,000 (21 st - 30 th ) Place - $1,000 each 4 th Place - $8,000 (31 st 50 th ) Place - $600 each 5 th Place - $6,000 The Top 5 contestants qualify for the Coast Casinos Horse Players World Series February 23-25,

27 THE $250,000 FALL CLASSIC HANDICAPPING CHAMPIONSHIP 2011 The Fall Classic had a $500 entry fee which included special room rates along with a daily lunch buffet. There was $250,000 in prize money (based on 500 entrants). Contestants make 12 mythical win wagers. [The win odds are capped at 20-1] PRIZES 1 st Place - $87,500 (6 th 10 th ) Place - $5,000 each 2 nd Place - $30,000 (11 th - 20 th ) Place - $2,500 each 3 rd Place - $12,500 (21 st - 30 th ) Place - $1,250 each 4 th Place - $10,000 (31 st 50 th ) Place - $750 each 5 th Place - $7,500 The Top 25 contestants qualify for the 2012 Coast Casinos Horse Players World Series. 20

28 The MGM/MIRAGE group consists of: Aria, Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Mirage, Monte Carlo, and New York New York. They do not hold any form of handicapping contest, but Excalibur has within the last four years. In 2007, Excalibur offered a weekly contest with a $10 entry fee that was a win and quinella format. The Excalibur offered contest wagers on a full race card of the Southern California racetrack running at that time. Prizes were paid in cash only. Contest rules are not available. 21

29 Stations Casinos consists of: Aliante Station, Boulder Station, Fiesta Station Henderson, Fiesta Station Ranch, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Red Rock, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, and Texas Station. THE $60,000 WE LUV LOCALS 2011 SUMMER RACE CONTEST SERIES All Stations Casinos combined their efforts to host this contest that offered $60,000 plus 100% of entry fees were returned as prize money. There was a $25 entry fee each week with a maximum of two entries per person. Players make a total of 8 win/place contest wagers on a single horse in the given race each Saturday for 10 weeks. A final championship will be held comprising of the top five contestants qualifying from each weekly contest. This is where players make 12 win/place contest wagers. [The win odds are capped at 20/1 and the place odds at 10/1] Weekly Prizes: 1 st ) $1000 plus 50% of entry fees collected and entry into the $30,000 championship. 2 nd ) $800 plus 20% of entry fees collected and entry into the $30,000 championship. 3 rd) $600 plus 15% of entry fees collected and entry into the $30,000 championship. 4 th ) $400 plus 10% of entry fees collected and entry into the $30,000 championship. 5 th ) $200 plus 5% of entry fees collected and entry into the $30,000 championship. Championship Prizes: 1 st ) $10,000 4 th ) $2,500 7 th ) $1, th ) $1, th ) $400 2 nd ) $3,000 5 th ) $2,250 8 th ) $1, th ) $ th ) $300 3 rd ) $2,750 6 th ) $2,000 9 th ) $1, th ) $ th ) $200 22

30 The Las Vegas Hilton Superbook hosted a 2011Saturday handicapping contest. The contest commences at football s off-season. A $30 entry fee was required and players may have up to three entries. Player will make six $100 win/place wagers with a $1,200 mythical bankroll. [The win odds are capped at 15/1 and the place odds at 5/1] PRIZES The prize pool will consist of all entry fees collected plus $500 provided by the Hilton. 1 st Place 50% of the prize money 2 nd Place 25% of the prize money 3 rd Place 12% of the prize money 4 th Place - 8% of the prize money 5 th Place - 5% of the prize money 23

31 THE 2011 SOUTH POINT SIX - THOROUGHBREDS The Palm Casino Resort and the South Point are united together with South Point acting as the Sportsbook Hub. The Palms has never offered any form of handicapping contest, the South Point however, does offer a Thursday contest named the South Point Six Thoroughbreds with a $20 entry fee. There are a maximum number of five entries per person with $500 plus 50% of the entry fees going to the weekly pool and the remaining 50% of the entry fees going to fund a progressive pool. Contestants must pick all six winners from up to four contest tracks offered to win the progressive pool. Player can choose any six win wagers from selected tracks such as Belmont, Woodbine, Arlington Park and Louisiana Downs. The concept is like building your own Pick 6 to play and being creative in the process. * The South Point will seed the progressive pool with $1,000. When the progressive pool reaches $2,000 on an unpaid progressive pool, the South Point will add one more $1,000. PRIZES The player that accumulates the most points will receive 65% of the purse money The runner-up will receive 35%. In the event that all 6 winners are selected, that player will win the progressive pool. Multiple winners with all 6 correct will split the progressive pool. 24

32 TI s WAGER TO WIN II CHAMPIONSHIP 2011 The Wager to Win II Championship is a qualifier for the NTRA National Handicapping Championship. It has a $400 entry fee, with a maximum of two entries per person. Contestants will make 15 mythical win/place single horse wagers of which nine will be mandatory races and the other six will be that of the player s choice. [The win odds are capped at 15/1 and the place odds at 8/1] PRIZES (Maximum total prize structure is $40,000) 100% of tournament entry fees will be awarded as prize money. 1 st Place - 50% of all entry fees 2 nd Place - 20% of all entry fees 3 rd Place - 15% of all entry fees 4 th Place - 10% of all entry fees 5 th Place - 5% of all entry fees The top 3 qualifiers receive a seat to the 2012 DRF/NTRA Handicapping Championship, provided they are a current NHC tour member. They will also receive round-trip air fare and deluxe room accommodations for up to three nights. Airfare reimbursement is $400. Treasure Island will host the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship for the first time on January 27-28,

33 THE $150,000 GUARANTEED RACE HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE (two day event) The Race Handicapping Challenge had a $2,000 entry fee with a maximum of four entries per person. Contestants make a total of 15 win/place wagers each day. Fourteen wagers are to be made at a $2 win/place format and one is made at a $4 win/place format. Only one horse per race is selected at Saratoga and Del Mar. [The win odds are capped at 25/1 and the place odds at 12/1] PRIZES ($25,000 guaranteed on Day 1 and Day 2; also a $100,000 guaranteed overall) Day 1 and 2 total Overall total 1 st Place - $12,500 1 st Place - $50,000 2 nd Place - $6,000 2 nd Place - $20,000 3 rd Place - $4,500 3 rd Place - $12,500 4 th Place - $2,000 4 th Place - $7,000 5 th Place - $5,000 6 th Place - $3,000 7 th Place - $2,500 The first place and second place qualifiers receive entry into the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship at Treasure Island on January 27-28,

34 2011 TRACKSIDE OFF-TRACK BETTING SPRING HANDICAPPING SERIES This is a Saturday contest for Twin Spires members only. There was no entry fee to play in the contest. Players established a $50 bankroll through a contest wagering card and limited to two entries per person. It was a four contest series features live money wagers on all open Hawthorne Race Course pools. The player must wager on a minimum of five Hawthorne races only and a minimum of $50. There are no minimum or maximum wager sizes. Contestants wager on multiple pools in a single contest race. PRIZES 1 st Place - $100 2 nd Place - $25 3 rd Place - $10 Highest final bankroll at the end of the contest series will earn an additional $300. FINAL ROUND 1 st Place - Received a Las Vegas trip (valid only if attending HPWS, otherwise forfeited). Paid entry into the Coast Casinos Horseplayer World Series held in Las Vegas on February 23-25, (Valued at $1,500). $350 travel-voucher for travel arrangements to the Horseplayer World Series. Hotel accommodations and $175. 2nd Place - $100 3 rd Place - $50 4 th Place - $25 27

35 2011 ARLINGTON PARK OTB WOODBINE THOROUGHBRED CONTEST For the Woodbine Thoroughbred contest, player must be a Twin Spires Club member to participate. There were no entry fee and players purchased one $50 wagering card, no more than two to be used for all wagers. The contest featured live money wagers on all open Woodbine Race Course pools. The player placed wagers only on live racing at Woodbine Race Course. PRIZES 1 st Place - $500, plus a 32 LCD flat screen television 2 nd Place - $250, plus a 32 LCD flat screen television 3 rd Place - $125, plus a 32 LCD flat screen television 4 th Place - $75, plus a 32 LCD flat screen television 5 th Place - $50, plus a 32 LCD flat screen television 6 th Place - A 32 LCD flat screen television 28

36 2011TRACKSIDE OTB FALL THOROUGHBRED CONTEST SERIES The Fall Thoroughbred Series is five contests for Twin Spires Club members only. There were no entry fee and players purchased one $50 wagering card. The contest featured live money wagers where players placed wagers on Thoroughbred races with post times prior to 6:30 p.m. They were able to select their wagers on a minimum of five races during the contest. If a player places a $50 bet on the first race and loses, that player was unable to meet the five race minimum, they are disqualified. PRIZES 1 st Place - $500 and a berth in the Series final 2 nd Place - $250 and a berth in the Series final 3 rd Place - $125 and a berth in the Series final 4 th Place - $75 and a berth in the Series final 5 th Place - $50 and a berth in the Series final (6 th 10 th ) Place a berth in the Series final FINAL ROUND 1st Place - Received a Las Vegas trip valued at $1,500. Entry into the Coast Casinos Horseplayer World Series February 22-25, $350 travel-voucher to make travel arrangements for the World Series. Hotel accommodations and $175 2 nd Place - $100 3 rd Place - $50 4 th Place - $25 29

37 2011 TRACKSIDE OTB MAY/JUNE HARNESS CONTEST SERIES The May/June Harness Series is three contests for Twin Spires Club member only. There were no entry fee and in order to participate and players purchased a $50 wagering card. It was limited to two entries per person. The contest featured live money wagers on all open Balmoral/Maywood Park pools. The player chooses their wagers on a minimum of five Balmoral/Maywood Park races only. PRIZES 1 st Place - $500 2 nd Place - $250 3 rd Place - $125 4 th Place - $75 30

38 2011 ARLINGTON PARK TRACKSIDE VILLA PARK HANDICAPPING CONTEST Player must be a Twin Spires Club member to participate. There was no entry fee to play in the contest. Players established a $50 bankroll on a contest wagering card. The contest featured live-money wagers only on all open Arlington Park pools and races. The players choose their wagers on a minimum of five Arlington races only. PRIZES 1 st Place received a Las Vegas trip (valued at $1,500) Entry into the Coast Casinos Horseplayer World Series February 23-25, $350 travel-voucher to make travel arrangements for the World Series. Hotel accommodations 1 st Place - $175 2 nd Place - $75 3 rd Place - $50 4 th Place - $25 5 th Place - $25 Calder Race Course last held a contest in 2007 and the official rules are not available. 31

39 THE $350,000 BREEDERS CUP CHALLENGE 2011 The Breeders Cup Challenge requires a $10,000 entry fee as a deposit. It is a real money skill challenge where $7,500 makes up the live bankroll for wagering to be placed on a player s card. Only races from Churchill Downs on Breeders Cup Friday and Saturday are playable races including all Breeders Cup Championships races. Wagering format is win, place, show, exacta, and trifectas. A $600 minimum must be wagered per race on at least 5 races on Friday and a $900 minimum must be wagered per race on at least 5 races on Saturday. PRIZES 1 st Place - $175,000 6 th Place - $7,000 2 nd Place - $70,000 7 th Place - $7,000 3 rd Place - $35,000 8 th Place - $7,000 4 th Place - $20,000 9 th Place - $7,000 5 th Place - $15, th Place - $7,000 The top six qualifiers receive entry into the 2012 DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas, courtesy of Breeders' Cup Limited. A $500 travel stipend will be awarded to each person to cover hotel and other expenses. 32

40 WHO s THE CHAMP? 2011 SPRING MEET HANDICAPPING TOURNAMENT Who s The Champ? Spring Meet Handicapping Tournament is a five contest series held on Sundays. Each Tournament was limited to 400 entries with a limit of 3 entries per person. The entry fee was $25. Each contestant started the day with a $24 imaginary bankroll and made six, $2 win/place bets on races 3 8 at Churchill Downs. The contestants were able to wager the $2 to win and $2 to place on two different horses. Weekly Prize Money 1 st Place - $1,500 5 th Place - $300 2 nd Place - $800 6 th Place - $200 3 rd Place - $500 7 th Place - $150 4 th Place - $400 (8 th 10 th ) - $50 The winner of each handicapping tournament received this prize package: A five day and four night trip to Las Vegas to compete in the Horseplayer World Series at The Orleans Resort & Casino February 23-25, The winner also receives round-trip air fare to Las Vegas, standard accommodations and entry into the Horse Players World Series. If the top qualifier is unable to participate in the Horseplayer World Series, prizes will consist of the cash mentioned above and the remainder of the prizes will be forfeited. 33

41 NHC SUPERQUALIFIER HANDICAPPING CONTEST (Saturday December 17, 2011) The Fair Grounds NHC Superqualifier is a real money handicapping contest. Players will put up a $300 entry fee plus a $150 live money bankroll for contest wagers on their contest account card. Entries are limited to four and 500 overall. Contestants must wager exactly $5 Win/$5 Place/$5 Show on one horse in each of 10 consecutive races at the Fair Grounds. PRIZES First Place: 60% of Prize Pool plus entry to the NHC at Treasure Island Las Vegas Second Place: 20% of Prize Pool plus entry to the NHC at Treasure Island Las Vegas Third Place: 10% of Prize Pool plus entry to the NHC at Treasure Island Las Vegas Fourth Place: 6% of Prize Pool plus entry to the NHC at Treasure Island Las Vegas Fifth Place: 4% of Prize Pool plus entry to the NHC at Treasure Island Las Vegas 6 th 10 th Place: $500 plus entry to the NHC at Treasure Island Las Vegas 11 th 20 th Place: $300 The Top 10 qualifiers receive seats to the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship at Treasure Island in Las Vegas. The prize includes accommodations and a $250 travel voucher. 34

42 THE 2011 FAIR GROUNDS TWIN SPIRES CLUB VIP HANDICAPPING CONTEST The Twin Spires Club VIP Handicapping Contest is an entry free contest for Platinum and Gold Twin Spires Club VIP members. Contestants submitted mythical $10 win/$10 place wagers. Win and Place selections may be on the same horse or on different horses in a race. Fair Grounds races 5-10 on Saturday s 12-race program are the races to be wagered on. In the event of a tie after race 10, a winner-take-all tiebreaker involving the tied leaders will take. Participants will make $10 win and $10 place wagers on race 11. If the participants are still tied after race 11, the $500 in total prize money will be split evenly. PRIZES The contest winner received $400 and recognition with a race named in their honor. 35

43 Louisiana Downs held handicapping contests in 2010 with entry fees of $50-$300. The wagering format was win only. The prizes included cash and spots in DRF/NTRA Handicapping Championship January 2011 at Red Rock Hotel & Casino. Official rules are not available. Mountaineer Racetrack has not offered any form of handicapping contest. Presque Isle Downs last held a handicapping contest in 2008 with a $25 entry fee. The wagering format was win/place/show and prizes were cash only. Contest tracks included: Charlestown, Mountaineer and Penn National. Official rules are not available. 36

44 THE $80,000 AQUEDUCT HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE 2010 Aqueduct offered this contest as part of the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship. There was $80,000 in prizes money (based on 200 entries), and all entry fees were returned in prize money. A $400 entry fee with a field size limited to entries and two entries per person maximum was installed. Contestants make nine mythical $20 win, place, or show wagers and one $40 win, place, or show wager. Only one horse per race can be selected and at least five selections per day on races conducted at Aqueduct, with no more than five wagers on tracks other than Aqueduct. Contest tracks included: Aqueduct, Calder, and Churchill Downs. [The win odds are capped at 15-1; place and show odds at 8-1] PRIZES 1 st Place - $35,000 7 th Place - $2,500 2 nd Place - $10,000 8 th Place - $2,000 3 rd Place - $7,500 9 th Place - $1,500 4 th Place - $5, th Place - $1,000 5 th Place - $4,000 (11 th 15 th ) Place - $700 6 th Place - $3,000 (16 th 20 th ) Place - $600 ADDITONAL PRIZES $1,000 went to the highest bankroll after day one and $1,000 to the highest after day two. The top 3 qualifiers received entry into the NHC and a $450 travel stipend. 37

45 THE $80,000 BELMONT PARK HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE 2011 Belmont offered this contest as part of the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship. There was $80,000 in prizes money (based on 200 entries), and all entry fees were returned in prize money. A $400 entry fee with a field size limited to entries and two entries per person maximum was installed. Contestants make nine mythical $20 win, place, or show wagers and one $40 win, place, or show wager. Only one horse per race can be selected and least five selections per day must be made on races conducted at Belmont Park, with no more than five wagers on tracks other than Belmont. Contest tracks included: Belmont, Monmouth, and Churchill Downs. [The win odds are capped at 15-1; place and show odds at 8-1] PRIZES 1 st Place - $35,000 7 th Place - $2,500 2 nd Place - $10,000 8 th Place - $2,000 3 rd Place - $7,500 9 th Place - $1,500 4 th Place - $5, th Place - $1,000 5 th Place - $4,000 (11 th 15 th ) Place - $800 6 th Place - $3,000 (16 th 20 th ) Place - $500 ADDITIONAL PRIZES $1,000 went to the highest bankroll after day one and $1,000 to the highest after day two. The top 3 qualifiers received entry into the NHC and a $450 travel stipend. 38

46 THE $150,000 SARATOGA HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE 2011 Saratoga offered this contest as part of the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship. There was $150,000 in prizes money (based on 150 entries), and all entry fees were returned in prize money. A $1,000 entry fee with a field size limited to 150 entries and one entry per person. Contestants made 9 mythical $20 win, place, or show wagers and one $40 win, place, or show wager. Only one horse per race was selected and least five selections per day must be made on races at Saratoga, with no more than five wagers on tracks other than Saratoga. Contest tracks were Saratoga, Delaware Park and Del Mar. Day two tracks included: Saratoga, Arlington and Calder. [The win odds are capped at 15-1; place and show odds at 8-1] PRIZES 1 st Place - $75,000 6 th Place - $5,000 2 nd Place - $25,000 7 th Place - $3,000 3 rd Place - $15,000 8 th Place - $2,000 4 th Place - $8,500 9 th Place - $1,500 5 th Place - $6,000 (11 th 15 th ) Place - $1,000 ADDITIONAL PRIZES $1,000 went to the highest bankroll after day one and $1,000 to the highest after day two. The top 3 qualifiers received entry into the NHC and a $450 travel stipend. 39

47 Charles Town did not offer any form of handicapping contests. THE 2011 WORLD SERIES OF HANDICAPPING Penn National held their World Series with a $100 entry fee, $50 was non-refundable and $50 went to fund the player s contest wagering card. There was no limit on the number of entries per person. The wagering format was win only, one horse per race. Entrants placed a minimum of five bets with a $10 minimum per bet. No maximum bet amount and no maximum on the number of races that was played. Contest tracks included: Belmont, Calder, Delaware, Keeneland, Laurel, Monmouth, and Parx Racing. PRIZES $5,000 Prize Pool (Guaranteed) 1 st Place - 60% 2 nd Place - 30% 3 rd Place - 10% 40

48 THE 2011 DRF/NTRA NATIONAL HANDICAPPING CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER The Gulfstream Park NHC tour live and on-line tournament qualifier is a free entry contest to tour members throughout The contest is on a point base scale earned through the series of tournaments participated in starting January 2. The tour member with the highest total from their best five tournaments as of December 31 is then declared the 2011 NHC Tour Champion. The wagering format is $2 win and $2 place wagers. PRIZES ($125,000 in prize money based on tour point leaders) 1 st Place - $75,000 2 nd Place - $25,000 3 rd Place - $15,000 4 th Place - $7,500 5 th Place -$2,500 The top 15 qualifiers receive seat in the DRF/NTRA NHC plus hotel accommodations and air-fare. 41

49 THE 2010 SANTA ANITA BATTLE OF THE HANDICAPPING STARS The Battle of the Handicapping Stars is a real money handicapping tournament. Players were required to put up a $10,000 entry fee, where $2,500 was part of the prize pool and $7,500 were use for wagers made over two days. There was a one entry per person limit. All types of wagers were allowed except superfectas, super high-5 and multi-race bets. A minimum of $500 was wagered on at least six races during day one to including all live races from Santa Anita Park. A minimum of $750 was wagered on at least six races during day two. If contestants don t wager at least $500 on the six races on day one, a total of 1,000 contest points were deducted. On day 2, if contestants fail to wager at least $750 on six races they were disqualified. PRIZES 1 st Place - $50,000 2 nd Place - $25,000 3 rd Place - $7,500 4 th Place - $2,500 The top 3 qualifiers receive entry into the 2011 DRF/NTRA Handicapping Challenge in Las Vegas to include hotel and airfare. If the top 3 qualifiers cannot attend, then the next highest placing qualifier received the entry. 42

50 THE 2011 SANTA ANITA DRF/NTRA NATIONAL HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE The DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Challenge is a real money handicapping tournament with a $50 entry fee and a $500 live bankroll placed on a money-wagering card. There was a maximum limit of two entries per person for this contest. Wagering format included win, place, show and exactas only. Players wagered at least $200 on day one and minimum of $500 over both days of the contest. There were no maximums that players could wager. Tournament races were all live races from Santa Anita Park. PRIZES The top 3 qualifiers receive entry into the 2012 DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship at Treasure Island in Las Vegas including hotel and airfare. The top 3 qualifiers also received entry into the Santa Anita $40 Handicapping Contest finals. 43

51 THE 2011 $40 SANTA ANITA HANDICAPPING CONTEST Friday, Saturday & Sundays of the 2011 Santa Anita Autumn Meet This is a real money handicapping tournament with a $10 entry fee and a $30 live bankroll on a money-wagering card. Players make $3 win/place wagers on one horse in five Santa Anita races. PRIZES 1 st Place - $500 daily prize for the highest final bankroll 2 nd Place - $200 3 rd Place - $100 Each daily winner will also qualify for the finals on Sunday, November 6, The same format was used as the daily tournament. Players may qualify twice and will be entitled to two entries in the finals. FINALS 1 st Place - $20,000 2 nd Place - $3,000 3 rd Place - $2,000 44

52 THE $10,000 STRUB SERIES HANICAPPING CHALLENGE Santa Anita Parks Strub Series Handicapping Challenge is a free entry contest where entries were mailed through a mailing list and distributed. It was a win only contest where contestants pick the winners of the 2010 Malibu Stakes, the 2011 San Fernando Stakes, and the 2011 Strub Stakes. Players may enter the contest a maximum of two times. If they select the winner in each race, they will win their share of $10,000 cash. On December 26, 2010, contestants selected five horses they believe will win the 2010 Malibu Stakes. If one of the horses they selected wins the 2010 Malibu Stakes, they were invited back by mail for the San Fernando Stakes on Saturday, January 15, Contestants are to select three horses to win the 2011 San Fernando Stakes. Again, if one of the horses they selected wins the 2011 San Fernando Stakes, they will be invited back through mail to participate for the Stub Stakes on Saturday, February 5, The final round of the Strub Series Handicapping Challenge is where contestants select one horse to win the 2011 Strub Stakes. If their selection wins the 2011 Strub Stakes, they will win $10,000. The $10,000 will be equally divided among all contest winners. PRIZES Cash prizes will be mailed to contest winners within 30 working days of the final round of the Strub Series Handicapping Challenge. 45

53 THE 2011 SANTA ANITA SHOWVIVOR ONLINE CONTEST The Showvivor online contest is a free entry contest. The contest begins October 1, and ends on November 6 with the last race of the 2011 Santa Anita Autumn Meet. It was limited to one entry per person. Players select one horse on each race day of the live meet which finishes no worse than third and will continue each day as long as their selection does not finish off-the-board. Contestants cannot make more than one selection in any one race day. PRIZES 1 st Place - The player who has survived the longest earns top prize of $3, nd Place - $1,500 3 rd Place - $500 46

54 2011 Handicapping Challenge - Extreme Betting Series The Extreme Betting Series was offered at Mohawk Racetrack, Woodbine Racetrack, Greenwood Teletheatre OTB, and WEGZ Stadium Bar. An entry fee of $25 and $50 live bankroll was required. It covered a six contest series which featured three thoroughbred stakes races and three harness stakes races. The contests consist of the Woodbine Oaks, the North America Cup, the Metro Pace, the Woodbine Mile, the Canadian International, and the Breeders Crown. The contest included all races on the full race card. There is no minimum or maximum requirement for the number of races. The official rules states that throughout the six contest series, players may wager with no restrictions on any bets, any amounts, and as many bets as the player wants. PRIZES Each Contest s Prize Pool is based on the number of Contestants entered in that Contest x $25 entry fee. The Contest Sponsor will match the total amount of all entry fees and add it to the prize pool up to $2,500. If the prize pool becomes larger than $2500 through entry fees, contest sponsor will contribute $2,

55 Example 1: If the contest has 45 contestants, the prize pool will be $2,250 (45 x $25 = $1,125 + $1,125 contest sponsor contribution) Example 2: If the contest has 120 registered contestants, the prize pool will be $5,500 (120 x $25 = $3,000 + $2,500 max contest sponsor contribution) 1 st Place - $2,500 50% 2 nd Place - $1,250 25% 3 rd Place - $600 12% 4 th Place - $400 8% 5 th Place - $250 5% A seat in the 2012 DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas will be awarded to the contestant with the highest tournament balance over the six contests. 48

56 THE 2011 IN THE MONEY HANDICAPPING CONTEST Each of the five contests carries a $10 entry fee. The object of the contest is to correctly select a horse that finishes in the official top three in each race at that day s contest track. The winner will receive a cash prize of $250 guaranteed. If there is no winner(s) the prize pool carries over to the following week s contest. Contest Dates and Tracks: Saturday, December 3 Hollywood Park Saturday, December 10 Fair Grounds Saturday, December 17 Tampa Bay Downs Saturday, December 24 Gulfstream Park Saturday, December 31 Santa Anita 49

57 THE 2011 COUNTDOWN TO THE CUP HANDICAPPING TOURNAMENT This is a free handicapping tournament with seven individual contests where the top eight point-earners will be awarded Breeders Cup betting bankrolls. There was a one entry per person per and one horse in each contest race selected based on mythical $20 across-the-board wagers. Players were awarded the amount of points that equals the total dollar amount of the mutuel payoff. The maximum point payoffs per race for win, place, and show was capped with the maximum points for win was 600 points, place was 400 points and show was 200 points. Contest Dates and Tracks: September 17 Arlington Park September 24 Turfway Park October 1 Belmont Park October 8 Keeneland October 15 - Belmont Park October 22 Keeneland October 29- Santa Anita PRIZES Prizes were awarded for each individual contest day to the top point earners and for the overall/accumulated point total winners. 50

58 Weekly awards: Highest point total for the day received a $250 Breeders Cup bankroll. 2 nd 8 th highest total for the day received a $100 Breeders Cup bankroll. Overall accumulated point totals were given: Highest accumulated point total received a NHC entry, airfare and accommodations 2 nd highest accumulated point total received a $500 Breeders Cup bankroll 3 rd highest accumulated point total received a $400 Breeders Cup bankroll 4 th highest accumulated point total received a $300 Breeders Cup bankroll 5 th highest accumulated point total received a $200 Breeders Cup bankroll 6 th - 10 th highest accumulated point total received a $100 Breeders Cup bankroll The first-place winner received an entry to the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship at Treasure Island in Las Vegas January 27-28,

59 THE 2011 CANTERBURY PARK s HANDICAPPER OF THE YEAR CONTEST Some contests are free to enter while others require entry fees and live bankrolls. Entry fee was $10 for each contest day. Players may enter once per day and need not play in all contests to be eligible for the Handicapper of the Year. Players select one track from three offered each day and select one horse in each of the eight contest races. Points awarded based on a mythical $20 across the board wager. Points awarded will vary depending on the contest and will be determined prior to the contest. The maximum point payoffs per race for win, place, and show will be capped as such: win was 600 points, place 400 points, and show 200 points. SESSION 1 Oct 6: Belmont Park, Santa Anita, Remington Park Oct 7: Keeneland, Santa Anita, Remington Park Oct 8: Keeneland, Santa Anita Park, Hawthorne SESSION 2 Oct 13: Keeneland, Hawthorne, Remington Park Oct 14: Keeneland, Hawthorne, Remington Park Oct 15: Belmont Park, Santa Anita, Hawthorne 52

60 SESSION 3 Oct 20: Keeneland, Hawthorne, Remington Park Oct 21: Keeneland, Hawthorne, Remington Park Oct 22: Keeneland, Santa Anita, Hawthorne SESSION 4 Oct 27: Keeneland, Santa Anita, Remington Park Oct 28: Keeneland, Hawthorne, Remington Park Oct 29: Hawthorne, Santa Anita, Turf Paradise SESSION 5 Nov 3: Santa Anita, Hawthorne, Remington Park Nov 4: Churchill Downs, Santa Anita, Hawthorne Nov 5: Churchill Downs, Aqueduct, Hawthorne SESSION 6 Nov 10: Aqueduct, Hawthorne, Remington Park Nov 11: Churchill Downs, Hollywood Park, Hawthorne Nov 12: Churchill Downs, Hollywood Park, Hawthorne SESSION 7 Nov 17: Aqueduct, Hollywood Park, Remington Park Nov 18: Aqueduct, Hollywood Park, Remington Park Nov 19: Churchill Downs, Hollywood Park, Hawthorne 53

61 SESSION 8 Nov 24: Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Hawthorne Nov 25: Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Hollywood Park Nov 26: Calder, Fair Grounds, Hawthorne SESSION 9 Dec 1: Aqueduct, Hollywood Park, Turfway Park Dec 2: Hawthorne, Hollywood Park, Turfway Park Dec 3: Fair Grounds, Hollywood Park, Turfway Park PRIZES The person who has accumulated the most points by the end of the year will be declared the 2011 Canterbury Park Handicapper of the Year and received a trophy with a prize of $2,000. The person that accumulates the second highest point total will receive a runner-up prize of $500. Points awarded will vary depending on the contest and will be determined prior to the contest. One player for each 14 entries from each super satellite session will win a $140 entry into the Horse Player World Series satellite contest. HPWS Satellite Contests to be held December 10. Cash Bonus went to the player with the highest individual score from October 6 through December 3. 54