Races telecast via simulcast to sportsbooks is generally the extent of horse racing’s presence in Nevada’s gaming industry. Although, if the state gaming commission rules in its favour, a new form of horse racing wagering could become more prevalent in Las Vegas.
According to an article by the Las Vegas Sun, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has been asked to approve ‘Fortune Cup,’ an updated version of what The Sun has described as a ‘cult classic’ slot horse racing game.
Fortune Cup is essentially a modernized version of ‘Sigma Derby,’ an electro-mechanical horse racing game that sees horses race around a centralized track after bettors have made their wagers.
The game allows up to ten bettors to sit at ‘betting stations’ around the track and browse some statistics on the horse in the race before making their wagers via touchscreens. The game also features a handful of random jackpots that can lead to players receiving windfalls via mini, major, or maxi strikes.
As the Las Vegas Sun piece explains, Fortune Cup is currently being offered at both the Venetian and MGM Grand during a trial period. If the commission ultimately green-lights Fortune Cup, the game could be introduced to other casinos in just a few weeks.
To view videos of Fortune Cup in use at the Venetian, click here, here and here.
(With files from the Las Vegas Sun)