Last weekend (Dec. 2-3) at The Meadowlands, bettors were treated to some big payouts after playing the track’s popular multi-leg bets, which always have a low 15 per cent takeout.

“On Saturday, we had two 20-cent base bets pay over $10,000,” said Jason Settlemoir, Meadowlands' Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “Our racing was excellent, betting pools and field sizes were large, which led to total handle pushing past the $3-million mark. Our job now is to keep the positive momentum in New Jersey going.”

On Saturday’s card, the 20-cent Pick-5 (Race 1 through 5) returned $10,969 before the 20-cent Pick-6 (Race 8 through 13) came back $10,328.

After seeing nightly handle increase for a fourth consecutive month of November, December appears to be going in the right direction as well.

During 2021, the first Friday and Saturday in December saw total handles of $1,844,882 and $2,121,764, respectively. Last weekend, those numbers were up in a big way, at $2,611,294 and $3,115,292, respectively.

Some other handsome payoffs from last weekend were Friday’s 20-cent Pick 6 ($1,554) before some more nice payouts on Saturday, which included the fifth-race 10-cent Superfecta ($1,525), 20-cent Survivor Pick 7 ($7,711 where it took just four out of seven correct to cash in) and 12th race 10-cent Superfecta ($1,651).

Racing at The Meadowlands will be conducted on a Friday-Saturday basis through the end of the year, with a first-race post time of 6:20 p.m. (EST). There are two exceptions on the schedule, as there will be no live action on Dec. 23-24.

Every live racing night, the “Racing from The Meadowlands” pregame show begins at 5:45 p.m. Join Dave Little and Jessica Otten, who will have news, notes and previews of the upcoming card.

SCRATCH AND WIN: Grab your opportunity to win some big green in The Big M’s “Scratch & Win” promotion.

The Meadowlands and the New Jersey Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association are continuing their 2022 partnership encouraging fans to attend live racing for a chance to cash in during the four-week promotion.

Racetrack mailing list and Players Club members all received a postcard with four opportunities to win up to $20,000. Last Saturday was the first Scratch & Win date with Dec. 10, 17 and 31 the next redemption dates.

Over $12,000 was given away on promotion night one.

Fans that did not receive a Scratch & Win mailer can still pick one up at the Players Club desk on any Saturday.

“We knew this promotion would be a winning one,” said Settlemoir. “We can still drive people to the racetrack with worthwhile promotions and events that appeal to both the die-hard and casual racing fans.”

BRING JOY, BRING A TOY: Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the track to give a child in need some happiness this holiday season, and if you do, you’ll get a $5 betting voucher.

The Big M’s “Toys for Tots” drive began Nov. 22 and runs through Friday (Dec. 9). On Friday, former New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa will be on hand from 7-9 p.m. spreading holiday cheer. Justin Walters from PIX-11 will serve as master of ceremonies.

“This is the fifth year we are working with Enunwa for our Toys For Tots drive,” said Settlemoir. “He has been a great partner for this annual event.  We all believe in giving back to those in need during this holiday season.”

(With files from The Meadowlands)