Now THIS is an idea

[Scav]

In a new twist to win, place, and show wagering, on a selected race on selected days on-track only Arlington Park will offer guests an opportunity to play a $12 Last Call – which consists of a $2 win, $4 place and $6 show wager on the same horse on the same ticket. The concept behind the Last Call is based on the “ladder” principle of stacking a wager to maximize the chances of making a profit.

In many cases when the horse finishes third, the $6 show portion of the wager will cover the cost of the bet (as long as the horse returns $4 to show). If the horse finishes second, the bettor is likely to make a small profit and should the horse win, the bettor collects on all three parts of the wager.

While a fan can wager in this format on any race at any time, the Last Call offers a special twist in that losing Last Call tickets (which will be available when wagering with a roving mutuel clerk either in the Park area, on the Apron or in the Million Room and be printed on special paper) can be redeemed for a free beer or other beverage.

“The Last Call concept, besides being a good wagering strategy, adds an extra twist of fun to the traditional win, place and show wagers,” Petrillo said. “Even if a bettor’s horse doesn’t finish in the top three, he or she will still be a winner by getting a free drink.”

http://arlingtonpark.com/news/archiv...out-reduced-15

[pba1817]

Originally Posted by Scav

http://arlingtonpark.com/news/archiv...out-reduced-15

They would end up losing money if a few of my friends showed up for this...

[golfer]

Originally Posted by Scav

http://arlingtonpark.com/news/archiv...out-reduced-15

Does this apply to fruity drinks on Million Day?

[OTM Al]

Great. Feed them a drink right before they hit the road. Might be better if it was something they could redeem any day after the bet. You know, small incentives to come back.

[Scav]

Originally Posted by pba1817

They would end up losing money if a few of my friends showed up for this...

They conveniently left out of the article that it is only for one race per day, the 8th race.

Wonder if they will name the race "The Free Beer"

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by pba1817

They would end up losing money if a few of my friends showed up for this...

Haha, very true for many folks.

Is Arlington's takeout 17% for WPS? That's what I found on a quick search...

Beer is really cheap when you start dishing it out in small draft cups.

If $12 is wagered, that means Arlington's take is ~$2.04 pre-taxes, purses etc. Without knowing their purse situation and how their horsemen contracts work, even if it was a 50/50 split, they still gross $1.02.

There are labor considerations, taxes, supplies, COGS... but I'll bet it's either break-even or close to it by itself, then when you factor the additional revenue of people in the building, more beer sales, more wagers etc., it makes a lot of sense.

The hard part, I think, is relaying the message in the marketing. I think it's a good idea.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by OTM Al

Great. Feed them a drink right before they hit the road. Might be better if it was something they could redeem any day after the bet. You know, small incentives to come back.

How late do they stay open for simulcast?

[GBBob]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

Haha, very true for many folks.

Is Arlington's takeout 17% for WPS? That's what I found on a quick search...

Beer is really cheap when you start dishing it out in small draft cups.

If $12 is wagered, that means Arlington's take is ~$2.04 pre-taxes, purses etc. Without knowing their purse situation and how their horsemen contracts work, even if it was a 50/50 split, they still gross $1.02.

There are labor considerations, taxes, supplies, COGS... but I'll bet it's either break-even or close to it by itself, then when you factor the additional revenue of people in the building, more beer sales, more wagers etc., it makes a lot of sense.

The hard part, I think, is relaying the message in the marketing. I think it's a good idea.

They have..I believe..an 80/20 split with Levy on concessions so Levy had to partner on this somehow. Plus I doubt they are giving away the $6.25 Miller Lites. I will find a way to make this work though

[randallscott35]

fun idea

[MaTH716]

I like the fact that they are being creative, but I'm with Al on this with them giving out
technically free drinks late in the day. Also what's the legal gambling and drinking ages in Ill? Could they run into a problem there?
They are on the right track, but I personally think they have to tweak it a bit.

[GBBob]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

I like the fact that they are being creative, but I'm with Al on this with them giving out
technically free drinks late in the day. Also what's the legal gambling and drinking ages in Ill? Could they run into a problem there?
They are on the right track, but I personally think they have to tweak it a bit.

They card heavily at AP and it's 18/21. That free drink may end up being a soda. I would think they have figured out the loopholes so this doesn't turn into .25 beer night at Municipal stadium.

[Scav]

Originally Posted by GBBob

They card heavily at AP and it's 18/21. That free drink may end up being a soda. I would think they have figured out the loopholes so this doesn't turn into .25 beer night at Municipal stadium.

Talk about attracting a crowd, that would be a wild night.

[GBBob]

Originally Posted by Scav

Talk about attracting a crowd, that would be a wild night.

oops...it was .10 beer night actually
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Cent_Beer_Night

[Gate Dancer]

How about a reincarnation of a 'Down with Disco' evening !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sightseek]

Scav ~ I just saw a guy who could be your twin!

[South Beach Luv]

First 5k through the door opening day get a coupon for a hot dog and draft beer or soda for a penny.

Not bad plus gen admission is free

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by South Beach Luv

First 5k through the door opening day get a coupon for a hot dog and draft beer or soda for a penny.

Not bad plus gen admission is free

I wonder if their will be any DT'er who will be spinning that day..........

[jwkniska]

I like it. About time they come up with some better marketing promotions.

[Cannon Shell]

"The Last Call concept, besides being a good wagering strategy, adds an extra twist of fun to the traditional win, place and show wagers,” Petrillo said. “Even if a bettor’s horse doesn’t finish in the top three, he or she will still be a winner by getting a free drink.”
..

This is considered a good wagering strategy?

[pointman]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

"The Last Call concept, besides being a good wagering strategy, adds an extra twist of fun to the traditional win, place and show wagers,” Petrillo said. “Even if a bettor’s horse doesn’t finish in the top three, he or she will still be a winner by getting a free drink.”
..

This is considered a good wagering strategy?

I'm anxiously awaiting Johnny Pinwheel's assessment.