The first six weeks of 2012 are in the books, and judging from recently compiled statistics, the average payouts on Balmoral wagers have increased greatly since last year.

The Pick Five and High Five are clearly two of the hottest bets in racing. The two wagers combined with larger purses, guaranteed Pick Fours, low minimum fifty-cent trifecta and 10-cent superfecta wagering have clearly helped the handle figures explode in 2012.

Through February 12, eighteen Balmoral programs have handled $19,101,118, for a nightly average of $1,061,173. A total of 202 races have been contested with an average of $94,559 wagered per race.

With the help of the USTA Strategic Wagering Initiative, the Pick Four pools continue to climb. Players have wagered $500,476 on the 18 Pick Fours, for a nightly average of $27,804. The average one dollar payout is currently $2,401.72 for the 2012 season.

The original 10-cent High Five is offered on the final race of the night. The bet has become the most popular 'get out' wager for many players across North America.
Although the High Five is a 10-cent bet, the average payout has been $1,918 for a dime.
The average 2012 High Five pool is $18,119.

The 50-cent Pick Five has been producing big numbers as well. With the help of a $10,000 guaranteed pool on Sundays, players have bet over a quarter of a million dollars on the Balmoral Pick Five for a 2012 average pool of $14,181. The average payout thus far in 2012 has been $4,097 for 50 cents.

Speaking of the Pick Five, the Meadowlands will have one of the best multi race pools of the year Thursday night because of a Pick Five carryover of $27,470. A final pool of $145,000 is estimated.

Maywood Park has also been enjoying success this winter. Friday handles are averaging over $1 million. The Maywood Pick Four pools are guaranteed nightly and have surpassed $14,000 the last two Fridays. Fifty-cent trifecta and 10-cent superfecta wagering is offered every night.

(With files from Balmoral)