Woodbine: Minimum wagering amounts lowered for the Keeneland meet

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The Woodbine Entertainment Group announced Tuesday that fractional betting on U.S. racing will be available on the Keeneland meeting which starts this Friday.

Local racing fans will now be able to bet, as a base, 20 cents on superfectas and 60 cents on trifectas and multi-race bets like the pick three and pick four. The previous minimum was $1.

The base amounts are more in tune with the offerings in the United States, but are still limited by current Canadian regulations and must be in 20 cent increments.

“The concept is seen as critical to our core customers, so we’re glad to be able announce this exciting news,” said Sean Pinsonneault, Woodbine Entertainment Group’s chief operating officer, in a press release.

Fractional betting, which allows bettors to play the races in pre-determined fractional amounts, has been available for Canadian horseplayers on Woodbine and Mohawk racing for years with great success.

As well, recent technological advancements and regulatory approvals have allowed American horseplayers to bet at these same minimums into Woodbine pools. The innovation is expected to be expanded to other U.S. tracks in the near future.

“This rollout will be gradual as it requires host approvals and depends on the capabilities of their respective tote system,” said Pinsonneault. “Woodbine Entertainment Group is actively pursuing other tracks to participate in this program and is eager to add more to the list.”

It is unlikely that this feature will be available on California tracks in 2012, but other key racing meets are expected to be on board.