Guide to U.S. Common Pool Wagering

What is U.S. common pool wagering and how does it benefit me?
Common pool wagering allows money wagered in Canada on a U.S. track to commingle or merge with money wagered throughout the U.S. As a result, the pools are much larger and therefore the payoffs could potentially be much larger as well.

Why isn’t common pool wagering available on all U.S. tracks?
The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA – the arm of the Federal Government that regulates racing) has set forth a number of requirements that each U.S. track must meet before they will allow Canadian tracks to participate in U.S. pools. As a result, many states will need to change their rules and regulations before complying with these requirements.

Why are some pari-mutuel rules different from one track to another?
“Host rules apply”. This means that when betting into U.S. pools, we must abide by each state’s rules and regulations. These will vary from state to state and will be different from what we use in Canada.

Where can I find the host track’s rules and regulations?
Links to the host track’s rules and regulations can be found at www.WoodbineEntertainment.com. For those of you who do not have internet access, please see a customer service representative to address specific questions.

I’ve heard about a teller cancel delay. What is it?
The purpose of the “teller cancel delay” is to allow tellers to cancel mis-issued bets but has the effect of delaying the transmission of final pari-mutuel pools, which in turn delays the posting of final odds. Should a significant cancellation occur, payouts on winning bets may be affected. CPMA rules do not allow teller cancel delays in Canada.

Do I have to bet in U.S. dollars? Am I paid in U.S. dollars?
No, you can continue to wager in Canadian dollars and you will be paid in Canadian dollars.

Why do you not display the Canadian odds channel on U.S. common pool tracks?
Since WEG plans to use the same takeout rates as the U.S. track for the display pools (WPS, Exactor, Double, Quinella), we can use the odds and probables reflected on their live video. Should WEG use a different rate on other pools (e.g. Triactors, Superfectas), a separate price channel will be available.

Why might payoffs on some pools differ from that of the host?
Since some U.S. tracks have extraordinarily low takeout rates on some pools (e.g. Triactors, Superfectas) that do not accommodate the high mandatory deductions in Canada, WEG will use a minimum of 25% for the total takeout on these pools. This is a very common rate that is used by other U.S. tracks such as the New York Racing Association (Belmont/Aqueduct/Saratoga.)

Can I participate in the guaranteed payoff wagers offered at US tracks?
Absolutely. If a track offers a guarantee on one of their pools that we offer, that guarantee also applies to Canadian customers.

Why are some of my payoffs a nickel higher than what is displayed on the video screens?
In the U.S., dollar prices are rounded to a dime whereas in Canada, those prices are rounded to a nickel. Canadian customers benefit from rounding to a nickel.

Am I required to pay U.S. tax withholding while wagering on a U.S. track?
No. Fortunately, the U.S. Internal Revenue Services’ 30% withholding tax on winning wagers was repealed for Canadian citizens and therefore you will not be subject to such tax.

Why can’t I bet my usual bet minimums on all U.S. common pool tracks?
WEG will make every effort to maintain the usual bet minimums, but it is ultimately a host track’s decision. Some U.S. tracks and or regulators insist that Canadian minimums be higher, specifically on carryover pools such as the Pick 6, because the Canadian dollar is lower than the American dollar. Bet minimums that differ from our usual Canadian minimums will be noted in the program.

links

Welcome to the Fort Erie Race Track. Placing your bet appears confusing and complicated at first. By learning a few easy racing terms (and a little luck) you'll be on your way to picking a winner in any of the racing cards, live or simulcast at Fort Erie Race Track.
Here's how it works...

types of bets

WIN
Pick the horse that comes in first.

PLACE
You collect if your horse finishes first or second.

SHOW
You collect if your horse finishes first, second or third (the safest bet).

beyond win, place & show

Of course, there are many other types of bets beyond Win, Place and Show wagers. These include:

EXACTOR - You must select the horse finishing First and the horse finishing Second, in exact order. In a race with a mutual entry (1 & 1A, 2 & 2B), if the race finishes with both parts of the entry in First and Second Position, the Exactor will be paid on the First and Third Place Finishers.

TRIACTOR - You must select the horse finishing First, the horse finishing Second, and the Horse finishing Third, in Exact Order. In a race with a Mutuel Entry (1 & 1A, 2 & 2B) or Mutuel Field (12F, 13F, 14F, etc.). If the race finishes with both parts of the entry or two parts of the field in the top three positions, the Trifecta will be paid on the First, Second and Fourth Place finishers.

SUPERFECTA - You must select the horse finishing First, the horse finishing Second, the Horse finishing Third and the Horse finishing Fourth in Exact Order. In a race with a Mutuel Entry (1 & 1A, 2 & 2B) or Mutuel Field (12F, 13F, 14F, etc.). If the race finishes with both parts of the entry or two parts of the field in the top four positions, the Superfecta will be paid on the First, Second, Third and Fifth Place finishers.

DAILY DOUBLE - You must select the horse finishing First, in Two Consecutive Races.

PICK 3 - You must select the horses finishing First, in Three Consecutive Races.

WIN 4 - You must select the horses finishing First, in Four Consecutive Races.

BOX - You may select, two, three or more horses and the order of finish does not have to be EXACT. This is available on Exactor and Trifecta wagering only. NOTE: Your bet amount will increase with each additional combination.

KEY - You select one horse to finish First. You then select any number of horses to finish Second. You then select the Same Number of horses to finish Third. This is available on Trifecta Betting only.

PARTIAL WHEEL - You may select any number of horses for each position (First, Second or Third). This is available on Exactor, Triactor, Daily Double, Pick 3, Win 4 and Super 7 wagering only. Using Box, Key and Partial Wheel Wagering will significantly improve your odds of winning, but it will also significantly increase the cost of your ticket! Use this type of wagering wisely, because the Pay-Out is calculated on the Base-Price of your ticket, not on the Total Price. For example, a $1.00 Triactor Wheel 8 with 1,2,3,4,5 will cost $20.00. The price is calculated as follows: Number of Entries Selected for First Place multiplied by the Number of Entries Selected for Second Place multiplied by the Number of Entries selected for Third Place equals the Total Amount wagered.

QUICK PICK - This feature is available for each wager that is offered. The Quick Pick wager is similar to a Quick Pick lottery ticket. The computer will randomly select a horse(s) for you.

placing a bet

PLACING A BET WITH A CLERK: Walk up to any mutuel (betting) window and tell the clerk the following information:

1. Name of track (i.e. Fort Erie)
2. Race number (i.e. Race 4)
3. Dollar amount of your bet (i.e. $2 or $4 etc.)
4. Type of bet (Win, Place, Show)
5. Horse's program number (i.e. #6)

what the odds mean
(approximate to pay to win for $2.00)

The odds are posted on the Tote Board (the large display board located in the infield) and on the TV monitors. Even though the minimum bet is $2.00, the odds quoted are based on a $1.00 bet.

Let's say that the odds for the #2 horse are 10-1, if the horse wins you receive $10 for every $1 bet. You bet $2 so you get $20 plus the initial $2 you gave the teller. Remember, that the odds change right down to the last second before the race. The odds are determined by the amount of money bet on each horse and not by the race track.

TOTE BOARD: The big, lighted board in the infield which shows the odds and the results. The television monitors also show the odds and results.

ODDS: Actual betting determines the odds. The higher the odd, the larger the payoff. 2-1 odds are small odds. 50-1 is a long shot.

POST TIME: The starting time for a race.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU BET? The minimum is $2.00 and increases in $1.00 increments.

WHEN DO YOU PLACE YOUR BET? Anytime before the start of each race. Watch the tote board or TV monitors for the 'Minutes to Post' to find out how much time you have to place your wager.

handicapping

Handicapping is the challenge of determining the winner of a race based on past performances. The biggest benefit of being at the track is the opportunity to monitor the thoroughbred's pre-race behavior. There are many factors involved when making your selections, such as speed, class, breeding and recent form. Track conditions also play a major role in the outcome of a race. Obviously, the highest percentage trainers and jockeys win the majority of races and merit extra consideration. In addition, there are successful jockey/trainer combinations that provide significant returns. Thoroughbreds are creatures of habit that, more often than not, possess a distinct running style. In a race lacking many speed runners, a consistent front runner becomes a major threat. Conversely, if there are a number of speed types entered in an event, horses that can stalk the pace or race strongly from the back of the pack become prime contenders. The handicapping process can be intimidating at first. The main thing is to have fun while you learn the game and develop your own philosophy.

As a service to Fort Erie racing patrons, we have established a direct link to Brisnet, the internet's largest horse racing service. There are free handicapping features and member services, which include past performances to help get you ready for an exciting day at Fort Erie.