SORRY STILL NO DERBY ON IDABET.COM
We regret to inform you as of today it appears we will not be having wagering on the Derby, although we will have THE PREAKNESS and THE BELMONT on Idabet.com. Churchill Downs reserves the right to determine what ADW’s (online or phone wagering companies) can take bets on their racetracks. At this time, they prefer to get as many customers for their ADW. We have made every attempt as well as others in the same boat as us for them to consider then interests of racing fans across the country, but to no avail. As you may be aware, Churchill limits the tracks they offer. Of course for most of your other wagers, we look forward to working with you.
FORT HALL CASINO TURF CLUG OPENS IN IDAHO FALLS
Idabet’s parent, IdaRacing is pleased to announce to the opening of their new Turf Club in the Fort Hall Casino. The Turf Club offers racing simulcasting daily from 11am until 11pm. You can watch and WAGER on the Kentucky Derby at our Turf Club Saturday with advanced wagering beginning Friday. The Fort Hall Casino Turf Club is located at Exit 80 of I-15. For more information call 208-237-8774.
LIVE GREYHOUND RACING LIKELY TO BE CUT IN FLORIDA
The Florida Senate has passed legislation that would significantly cut the amount of live greyhound racing in the Sunshine State. Final aspects of the bill are now based on what kind of tax credits tracks will receive that continue to race. Fan interest and wagering has dropped for years as players have moved to horses, casinos and poker. All the dog tracks operate poker rooms and would be allowed to end all live racing but to continue to simulcast and offer their poker rooms.
Some tracks say they would cut their live days but continue to race. Current law virtually requires tracks to operate nearly daily all year just to simulcast or run the poker rooms. The owner of the former Flagler track now known as Magic City Casino in Miami says he will continue to race live as well as that their sister track near Ft. Meyers, but will cut the number of programs.
The scary part of this legislation is it could open the door down the road to totally ending live racing in favor of more casinos and could spread to horse tracks.
DERBY NOT DRAWING BIG NATIONAL ATTENTION
This may be most unanticipated Kentucky Derby in years if not ever. With Uncle Mo’s loss in the Wood Memorial and questions up until post time of his health looming, the race lacks a genuine or even burgeoning star. Even some of the top contenders have been beaten by weak competition. The result is a lack of major coverage of the horses in the race. Though some interest has been directed to various jockeys like Calvin Borel’s attempt to for a record third straight win, this is suppose to be a race about the horses. Racing clearly needs a superstar to generate publicity and unfortunately, the world events of this past week are filling the airwaves.
