US Common Pool Wagering

Guide to U.S. Common Pool Wagering

Frequently asked questions regarding U.S. Common Pool Wagering

What is U.S. common pool wagering and how does it benefit me?

Common pool wagering allows money wagered in Canada on a U.S. track to commingle or merge with money wagered throughout the U.S. As a result, the pools are much larger and therefore the payoffs could potentially be much larger as well.

Why are some pari-mutuel rules different from one track to another?

“Host rules apply”. This means that when betting into U.S. pools, we must abide by each state’s rules and regulations. These will vary from state to state and will be different from what we use in Canada.

Where can I find the host track’s rules and regulations?

Links to the host track’s rules and regulations can be found at www.WoodbineEntertainment.com. For those of you who do not have internet access, please see a customer service representative to address specific questions.

I’ve heard about a teller cancel delay. What is it?

The purpose of the “teller cancel delay” is to allow tellers to cancel mis-issued bets but has the effect of delaying the transmission of final pari-mutuel pools, which in turn delays the posting of final odds. Should a significant cancellation occur, payouts on winning bets may be affected. CPMA rules do not allow teller cancel delays in Canada.

Do I have to bet in U.S. dollars? Am I paid in U.S. dollars?

No, you can continue to wager in Canadian dollars and you will be paid in Canadian dollars.

Why do you not display the Canadian odds channel on U.S. common pool tracks?

Since FELRC uses the same takeout rates as the U.S. track for the display pools (WPS, Exactor, Double, Quinella), we can use the odds and probables reflected on their live video.

Why might payoffs on some pools differ from that of the host?

Since some U.S. tracks have extraordinarily low takeout rates on some pools (e.g. Triactors, Superfectas) that do not accommodate the high mandatory deductions in Canada, WEG will use a minimum of 25% for the total takeout on these pools. This is a very common rate that is used by other U.S. tracks such as the New York Racing Association (Belmont/Aqueduct/Saratoga.)

Can I participate in the guaranteed payoff wagers offered at US tracks?

Absolutely. If a track offers a guarantee on one of their pools that we offer, that guarantee also applies to Canadian customers.

Why are some of my payoffs a nickel higher than what is displayed on the video screens?

In the U.S., dollar prices are rounded to a dime whereas in Canada, those prices are rounded to a nickel. Canadian customers benefit from rounding to a nickel.

Am I required to pay U.S. tax withholding while wagering on a U.S. track?

No. Fortunately, the U.S. Internal Revenue Services’ 30% withholding tax on winning wagers was repealed for Canadian citizens and therefore you will not be subject to such tax.

Why can’t I bet my usual bet minimums on all U.S. common pool tracks?

FELRC will make every effort to maintain the usual bet minimums, but it is ultimately a host track’s decision. Some U.S. tracks and or regulators insist that Canadian minimums be higher, specifically on carryover pools such as the Pick 6, because the Canadian dollar is lower than the American dollar. Bet minimums that differ from our usual Canadian minimums will be noted in the program.

links