Harness: Strategic Wagering up $2 million in 2019

Through the end of February this year, the amount wagered through the USTA Strategic Wagering Program has increased by more than $2 million ($2,005,679) compared to the first two months of 2018. That 43.7 percent increase in handle was achieved through 219 guaranteed-pool wagers offered at nine different racetracks during the first two months of 2019.

In addition, during January and February of this year, the total amount of guaranteed pools in the Strategic Wagering Program increased by $1,107,223 (39.6 percent) compared to the first two months of 2018 when there were 130 guaranteed-pool wagers offered.

“Strategic Wagering is solid and has proven to generate interest and handle. The challenge is to figure out how to further leverage the program to increase pool liquidity,” said Chris Schick, chairman of the USTA Strategic Wagering Committee. “These upward trends should continue as there are 124 Strategic Wagering Program offerings this March compared to 60 during the same month last year.”

In addition, two new tracks have been recently added to the program — Saratoga Casino Hotel in February and Rosecroft Raceway this month.

Saratoga Casino Hotel joined the program with $5,000 Pick-5 and $25,000 trifecta guaranteed pools on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while Rosecroft Raceway will host their inaugural Strategic Wager on Wednesday (March 6) with a $2,500 guaranteed Pick-5 that will be offered on Wednesdays and Sundays.

In 2018, 19 different racetracks participated in the program.

Free past performances for the USTA Strategic Wagering Program can be viewed here.

Up-to-date carryover information as well as those past performances are available on Twitter at @USTAStratWag.

The U.S. Trotting Association, in cooperation with its member tracks, established the USTA Strategic Wagering Program in April 2011 to provide value to horseplayers by guaranteeing the size of designated betting pools. The responsibility for these guarantees is shared equally by the USTA, the track hosting the wager, and in some cases, with the local horsemen’s association as well.

-edited release (USTA Communications)