Since opening the doors for the 51st season of live racing action in October, things have been on the rise at the Isle Casino Pompano Park.
Through 41 race dates, total handle is up an astonishing 34.4% even with nine less total races to kickoff the 2014-15 campaign. There have already been four programs that eclipsed the half-million dollar mark in total handle, a feat that was not done last season until after the turn of the calendar year.
Handle peaked on Tuesday, December 23, when a total of $847,199 was bet on the 11-race program, the highest handle on a live card in nearly eight years, since February 2007. That same night, a Pick 4 carryover of nearly $7,700 fueled an all-time track record total Pick 4 pool of $50,147.
Brett Revington, Director of Racing, opted to make changes to the wagering menu after taking over the reins a few weeks prior to the 2014-15 season.
Superfecta minimums were increased to 20 cents on each race, with the addition of a potential carryover if no one selected the superfecta order of finish. The 20-cent Jackpot Hi-Five was added in early December to the finale on each program, already paying out the jackpot twice, and currently sitting with a carryover just shy of $20,000.
The track also renewed a relationship with the TVG network, allowing exposure of the live racing action to a national audience.
“We remain committed to offering great value to our customers, a great product on the track, and the ability to be aggressive with guaranteed wagering pools,” said Revington.
The popular Pick 4 which typically features a $5,000 Guaranteed pool, has been increased to $7,500 throughout the entire month of January in partnership with the USTA Strategic Wagering program. The Pick 4 will feature the $7,500 guarantee every night, with the exception of Saturday evenings.
On-track patrons have also been noticing big changes in their live racing experience, with more on the way.
Track officials were forced to close down the original grandstand constructed over 50 years ago, but they have added many amenities to the outdoor apron and outdoor seating area located in the homestretch. A brand new outdoor bar was constructed to overlook the track above the stadium seating, with terminals and wide-screen TVs at every turn. There were also other additions including a brand new winner’s circle, with a food truck and live tellers added to the track apron.
“We are currently getting quotes and looking to possibly add a jumbotron to the infield to further improve the on-track experience for our patrons, as well as continuing already popular promotions such as $1 night specials and our $1,500 cash ‘Grand Giveaway,’" said Revington.
“We are very pleased with the success to this point, and I would like to thank the racing staff, Isle of Capri, TVG, FSBOA, Sportview, and of course the horsemen, for remaining supportive and allowing us to reach new heights. We look forward to continuing the momentum into 2015.”
Live racing action on the track will feature late closing events beginning in January, a menu that will feature a range from $5-25,000 claiming pacers and trotters. Horsemen are reminded that nominations for those late closing events close January 2.
(Pompano)