According to a report in today's edition of the Harness Tracks of America Daily Newsletter, the pool for this week’s V75 wager in Sweden is now
more than $18 million (U.S.).
The V75 is the world’s most popular bet, accounting for 40 per cent of Sweden’s total pari-mutuel wagering, and it has grown 10 per cent a year for the last five years.
Sweden has 37 racetracks, mostly harness, and the V75 can be bet at 2,030 betting shops, on 3,800 cash register terminals in supermarkets, and online. It is run by AB Trav och Galopp (Trot and Gallop) better known as ATG, selected by the Swedish government as its operator.
Total handle on the wager in 2008 was more than $1.8 billion U.S., with the bet available on the continent in Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Estonia, and Poland, as well as Malta, Australia and the U.S.
The V75 requires punters to select seven consecutive winners, with consolations to those picking five or six. Advance wagering begins Wednesdays and ends Fridays, with the races contested Saturdays.
(With files from HTA)
This is exactly the kind of
This is exactly the kind of thing we need in Canada (or even Ontario) to create more interest in Harness Racing - the opportunity for a large payout and more accessible means to place wagers.
Here in Northern Ontario we can't even access Account Wagering because Sudbury Downs (who controls an area from Perry Sound to Thunder Bay) refuses to provide that service. Is it any wonder that interest in the sport is declining ?