Meadowlands: $3 million handle streak continues into March

Despite a month of crippling winter weather and the re-opening of racing in Ontario two weeks ago, betting at The Meadowlands has stayed on a roll. In fact, on Friday (March 5) night, management is hoping to up the track's streak of wagering at least $3 million to an impressive 10th consecutive program.

"We say it often," said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. "But horseplayers have really responded in a big way to our low takeout wagering menu. With six of our popular 15 percent takeout wagers being offered every night, it has given players a more realistic chance to turn a profit, making The Big M the best place to play."

The streak backs up Settlemoir's words. After wagering on Friday, Jan. 29 was a rock-solid $2.93 million, every card since has seen betting of over $3 million.

Saturday nights in February were especially vigorous, with the four programs taking in a total of just over $15 million, an average of $3.75 million a night.

During February of 2020, betting was superb on Saturdays at $2.79 million per card, but still approximately $1 million short of this year's returns.

Fridays during February were also fabulous, taking in an average of $3.1 million a card, which was a half-million more than was pushed through the windows a year ago, which saw just under $2.6 million.

The last eight Big M programs have seen average nightly wagering of $3.437 million and a per race total of $249,987. A year ago, over the same span, betting was $2.695 million and $207,354.

"Low takeout is a horseplayers best avenue to being a winner," said Settlemoir. "Take our 50-cent Pick-4, which has a 15 percent takeout. If you are playing the Pick-4 at another track that has a 25 percent takeout, you ask yourself: 'All things being equal, if I switch to The Big M's Pick-4, my winnings increase at least 10 percent from the track with the 25 per cent rake. What reason is there to bet a Pick-4 with that takeout if I am serious about being a winning player?'"

-edited release (Meadowlands)