Racing change recommended

Friday, May 3, 2002 | 11:04 a.m.

The state Gaming Control Board has recommended approval of a regulation of how a horse race post time is defined.

The change could result in thousands of dollars in additional revenue for the state, since the change would give bettors a few split seconds of additional time in which to make a wager.

The change would define "post time" in pari-mutuel horse racing as the point at which the starting gate is opened for horses. Presently, post time is defined as the time at which the last horse enters the gate.

Some bettors note a horse's behavior in the gate and attempt to place a bet at the last possible second before a race begins. But some bettors get shut out because of Nevada's current post time definition.

Members of the Nevada board, who observed horse bettors' behavior at local race books, said the liberalized definition could produce some late betting action that would add to the state's $500 million annual horse racing handle.

The recommendation goes to the Nevada Gaming Commission, which will make the final decision on the regulation. The new regulation is not expected to be in effect for the start of this year's Triple Crown season, which begins Saturday with the running of the Kentucky Derby.