How many reasons are there to bet on racing at The Meadowlands?

Some might say there are three million.

Last weekend, wagering went past the $3-million mark on both Friday (Jan. 20) and Saturday (Jan. 21) nights, keeping the Big M’s streak alive of betting at least $3 million on a program.

When compared to a year ago, business is booming. During 2022, wagering did not top $3 million for the sixth time until April 2, the 23rd program of the year. This year, betting has topped $3 million on each of the first six night cards of the season.

“One of the reasons The Meadowlands averages over $3 million a night is simple math,” said Jason Settlemoir, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “Racing fans around the world know that The Meadowlands’ plethora of 15 per cent takeout wagers puts a lot more money back in the pocket of the horseplayer. Over the course of a racing season, this could be the difference between winning and losing.”

“That was best illustrated by the (20-cent) Pick-6 carryover Saturday night. When The Meadowlands combines a wager that has a takeout reduced by 40 percent (the usual 25 vs. The Big M’s 15) with a carryover, it gives the player the perfect storm for investing, a statistical wagering advantage. Our wagering menu is built to give horseplayers bigger payouts and realistic chances to make scores, with low minimums allowing everyone – regardless of their bankroll size – the chance to play.”

Saturday’s double Pick-6 carryover was $22,246, which led players to bet $83,124 in “new money” for a grand total of $105,370.

Carryovers are never subject to the takeout, thus, after the 15 per cent rake was removed from the new money, that left a grand total of $92,902 for winning players to divvy up, meaning that with a surplus of $9,778, the wager actually paid winners 111 per cent, instead of the usual 85. Those who cashed walked away with $16,891.10.

When comparing Saturday’s 11 per cent edge for the players against what is a normal 25 per cent takeout at other venues, the payout difference is startling.

If the starting point is a $1,000 payout, at The Big M on Saturday with the “negative takeout,” winning tickets would have been worth $1,111. In a circumstance where there is no carryover and a 25 per cent rake, the return would be $750. That’s a 48 per cent difference in return.

“The math proves it,” said Settlemoir. “It pays to play at The Big M. Competitive, full 10-horse fields that create the biggest pools in the sport, low takeouts and carryover opportunities -- these considerations for the horseplayer are why all roads for the smart bettor point directly to East Rutherford, as they have since 1976. It’s the land of opportunity for the harness player.”

Last Friday, only three favourites hit victory lane, which brought smiles to the Meadowlands’ masses who love to “beat the chalk.” The result? Five of the six popular low 15 per cent takeout wagers yielded big payouts.

The 20-cent Pick-5 ($2,322), Early 50-cent Pick-4 ($1,654), 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 ($3,645 for five out of seven), 20-cent Pick-6 ($2,092) and 10-cent Hi-5 ($1,508) all came back at least $1,500.

The Big M’s streak of $3-million nights is alive and well, but last week the track hosted the first of two consecutive Sunday afternoon programs, where $1,724,340 was bet on the 11-race card. A big number? Yes, if one takes into consideration that the least time the track raced on a non-Friday or Saturday, betting barely broke the $1-million plateau (on Thursday, Dec. 1). Thus, Sunday’s (Jan. 22) card marked an increase of 68 per cent.

This week, live racing takes place Friday (post time, 6:20 p.m.), Saturday (post time, 6:20 p.m.) and Sunday (12:30 p.m.). The live “Racing from The Meadowlands” simulcast show will get underway at 5:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11:55 a.m. on Sunday.

Effective Feb. 3, racing will be conducted every Friday and Saturday through Hambletonian Day, Saturday, Aug. 5. The first race gets underway at 6:20 p.m. for every program except for Hambo Day, when post time is noon.

As always, free past performances for every race of every Meadowlands card are available by going to playmeadowlands.com. This Friday night, on-track patrons can get a free Meadowlands program, beginning at 5 p.m.

On Saturday, patrons can check out “Madden at The Meadowlands” at 5 p.m., as they'll be able to see four top #Madden23 players compete for cash and other prizes. Larry Ridley, the voice of Madden Football, will provide the play-by-play and will be joined by former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker and Penn State Team Captain Brandon Bell on colour commentary.

There will be a delicious brunch buffet in The Big M’s Pink Restaurant on Sunday. Pink will open at 11 a.m., and dining will start at 11:30 a.m. Call 201-THE-BIGM for reservations. For complete details and to get a look at the menu, visit playmeadowlands.com.

(With files from Meadowlands)