NYRA Supports Coupled Entry Rule Changes
Description:
The New York Racing Association has announced its support for two New York State Gaming Commission proposals to provide enhanced wagering opportunities for bettors: decoupling entries in stakes races of $50,000 or more, and add superfecta wagering to the betting menu of races with coupled entries.
The proposed amendments are designed to boost handle by making races more palatable to the betting public. Currently, entries are only decoupled in races worth $1 million or more. The new rule will encompass all stakes races run on the NYRA circuit.
"The New York Racing Association fully supports decoupling entries in stakes races as it will increase field size, wagering opportunities and wagering revenue," said NYRA president Chris Kay in a statement. "Given additional betting interests and corresponding added handle, significant economic benefits will flow to horsemen, the New York Thoroughbred Breeders and Development Fund, the state of New York through taxes and regulatory fees, and NYRA."
The superfecta amendment is expected to have an even greater impact on handle, according to Kay, and is modeled after the NYSGC existing rule regarding trifectas in races with coupled entries.
"NYRA firmly believes that the proposed rule would make superfecta wagers more competitive and attractive to all bettors," said Kay.