News and Notes

New "Key Box" Option Added to Internet
Wagering Platform - June 4, 2007

A new “Key Box” option is now available that allows you to quickly key a single horse in all spots of an intra-race exotic wager (Exactas, Trifectas and Superfectas), without having to place separate part wheel tickets. The "Key Box" option is located at the same place where you select the normal "box" option during the wagering process.

A "Key Box" bet includes all possible combinations of a selected "key" horse(s) when combined with other "non-key" horses in a box bet.

For example, a $1 Trifecta Key Box: 1 / 2,3,4. This Key Box wager would cost $18. It covers eighteen (18) possible combinations:

1 with 2,3,4 with 2,3,4 (six (6) combinations with the key horse finishing first)
2,3,4 with 1 with 2,3,4 (six (6) combinations with the key horse finishing second)
2,3,4 with 2,3,4 with 1 (six (6) combinations with the key horse finishing third)

To win a "Key Box" bet, a "key" horse must finish in one of the wager positions (e.g., 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in a Trifecta) -and- "non-key" horses must finish in the other remaining positions of the wager.

The process would work exactly the same for exactas and superfectas. In the case of the exacta, the “Key Box” option would place two separate part wheel tickets. In the superfecta, the “Key Box” option would place four separate part wheel tickets.

Some customers may already be using this wager via the telephone, and may be referring to it as a “Banker” wager. The telephone operators at the wagering call center will continue to recognize “Banker” as the equivalent term to a “Key Box” wager.

If you have any questions about this new feature, please contact Customer Service toll-free at 1-866-891-5100.

Host track regulations for Betting - August 10, 2006

TwinSpires relies on the host track to define each wager and determine whether customers receive refunds, post-time favorites, or consolations for exotic wagers. Each track is different and governed by the pari-mutuel laws of the state of the host track. We are governed by these rules and it is the responsibility of each horseplayer to know and understand the rules associated to each wager they make. We have compiled a list of those rules for your convenience arranged alphabetically by track name. Select regulations below by clicking the Track or State then press GO.

New Telephone Deposit System - August 9, 2006

For your convenience and added security we started a new process for cash advance deposits over the telephone. Beginning August 9 you may be asked to provide additional information the first time you request to make a credit card deposit over the telephone. This new process will provide more protection against fraudulent use of your credit card and help us serve you better as we process more deposits. Initially, there may be temporary delays as we will request additional information on your first deposit.

We ask for your patience and ask that you plan your deposits further in advance on busy race days while we transition into this new system. Credit card fees for cash advance deposits will remain the same.

For the first deposit using a new card please be prepared to provide the number from a government issued ID such as your driver's license number. The verification number on the back of your credit card will be requested for each deposit. As always, EZmoney is free and a recommended option for depositing funds into your account.

Grand Slam Wager Now Offered - August 9, 2006

The Grand Slam wager offered by NYRA is now available on-line and through the telephone wagering line. We are the first online wagering service to offer this unique wager. The popular $2 minimum wager is covers four consecutive races.

In this example the Grand Slam requires your selection to finish first, second or third in races 6, 7, and 8, then your selection in the 9th race must win. If you played three horses in each of the first three legs of this wager with one horse in race 9, the cost would be $54 (3 x 3 x 3 x 1= 27 possible combinations x $2 = $54). This means your wager could win up to 27 times (maximum number of winning combinations unless there is a dead-heat involved). You may also bet a $1 minimum Grand Slam which pays half of the $2 payoff. The $2 payoff is posted with race 8 results. According to NYRA, the average $2 Grand Slam payoff at the recently concluded Belmont meet was $75.46. Select Grand Slam as the wager type, typically in race 5 or 6, to start your bet.

New Wagering Screen Benefits Multi-Leg Bets - July 17, 2006

A new wagering screen was introduced July 17. On the track selection page you have the option to select the old interface. Besides a new colorful interface, you will see improvements in selecting horses for exotic wagers and calculations for the amount of the ticket as runners are added.

You now have an option to see all the legs. When selecting All Positions you build your ticket and watch the display on the lower right as it shows you horse numbers and the amount of the ticket. By adding or reducing the number of horses you have a good idea of the total ticket cost.

There is an option to select a classic view for selecting multi-leg wagers by keying and/or boxing those runners. Just select the leg and make your selections to the right. Click here for more information and screen shots on the new wagering screen.

Upgrade to IVR System - April 17, 2006

Look for new menu selections in the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system used by the telephone wagering system. Added to the system are new selections for current odds, results, and scratches accessible through the main menu of the members area. The process remains the same for logging in but you will then be greeted with an enhanced selection with an option for the main menu. The new greeting will be "What's the track and race number, or say main menu for more options." IVR Upgrade and Track Codes.

Choose Your Amount to Wager - 2/17/2005

You can now enter whole dollar amounts of your choice as a new feature in the wagering process. Select your track and race, then select "other" as the last selection in the wagering amount drop-down. A window will pop up to enter an amount. Enter the desired base amount for this wager, in whole dollars up to a maximum of $2,500. There are certain amounts restricted by the tote wagering system and listed in the window.

Wagering on the 10-cent Superfecta - Many tracks offer 10-cent wagering on the superfecta. To wager the exotic bet, use the (other) wagering amount in the drop-down menu selection for the amount to wager. For instance, if you want to place a four-horse superfecta box, select .10 from the drop down menu in the window for the other amount. The system will issue a $2.40 ticket for this bet. In this window you can select from 10 cents to 90 cents in 10-cent increments.

Restrictions on 10% Bonus Wagers - 1/7/2005

Cash in on our 10% Bonus action. The bonus applies to all wagers on the race card for the day with the exceptions listed here. Bonus money will be deposited into accounts the following day. Place and show wagers paying $2.20 or $2.10 causing minus pools are excluded from the bonus offer. Account adjustments that result in less than $1.00 are also excluded from this offer.

For Users of Norton Internet Security - 10/15/2004

The Norton Internet Security product may block access to this website or the americatab.com website where wagers are placed. The problem occurs when installing Windows XP SP2 after Norton Internet Security is installed. We are working with the Symantec Corporation to find a solution to this error in their software.

Currently, even if you remove the sites from the banned list in Norton Internet Security, the software may still block access to the sites. If you have Windows XP SP2 installed we recommend that you uninstall the Norton Internet Security program through the control panel, remove programs. Then reinstall the Internet Security program. This process should allow you to remove americatab.com from the list of banned sites.

We will post more details and any work-arounds as soon as possible.

New Video Policy Increases Benefit To Active Players - 9/03/2004

In order to maintain the highest video standards for active customers, new minimum wagering requirements have been implemented for watching live racing. The new policy is also liberal enough to give new customers an opportunity to explore the system. Customers who meet minimum requirements will continue to have access to live racing video, the minimum requirements are:

• A minimum of $50 wagered during the last 5 days of access to the video.
• A minimum of $50 wagered during the previous 5 calendar days.
• A minimum of $100 wagered during the previous 30 calendar days.
• A minimum of $600 wagered during the previous 90 calendar days.
• A minimum of $5,000 wagered during the previous 360 calendar days.

Players who meet the minimum requirements will not see any changes. For occasional visitors who do not meet the minimum requirements, a notice will appear with instructions to restore viewing privileges.

On the Go with Thoroughbets.com

Thoroughbets.com has gone wireless. "On the Go with Thoroughbets.com" is available anywhere your cell phone or PDA has Internet access. It is a FREE service to customers.

Many of the features of the wagering platform are available through the wireless connection. Customers can check account status, receive entries and results, and wager on any of the worldwide tracks that are in the system. The platform has the same level of security with 128-bit encryption that protects account information. Users of any device that uses the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Palm OS® browser, or Windows® Pocket PC Internet Explorer, will have access to the system through their account. The Internet address to access the wireless system is: mobile.thoroughbets.com.

Blaster Worm Update

Saturday will be a big day for the Blaster worm which has been talked about in the national news for the past few days. Part of the worm's programming was designed to unleash a massive attack on Microsoft's website where Windows update is located. This attack could cause slowdowns on the internet in general and may cause the Thoroughbets.com to appears as though it is running slower than normal.

Our wagering system does not run on Windows servers and would be unaffected by the worm. You can not get the worm from visiting or using the Thoroughbets.com website. The main symptom of the worm is periodic rebooting or shutting down of your system. If this happens to you, you have likely been infected.

To remove the worm, Windows users should attempt to download all the necessary updates and patches from the Windows Update website. If you are unable to access the site, you can try this link, or Symantec has a removal tool at the SARC website.

We encourage everyone to download and update your Windows PC on a regular basis. Updating Windows is a necessary step for safe computing, and will insure your best experience when wagering at Thoroughbets.com.

Active Customers to Benefit from New Video Policy - August 3, 2003

It has been our policy to offer our live race video for free and that will continue. We take great pride in delivering these services at no charge to you. In peak viewing times you may have noticed video disruptions, this is due to the large number of viewers at one time on the system. We want to continue offering the highest quality video for our customers at all times. In order to protect our regular customers who use the system to wager and view the races we are implementing the following new policy:

Video streaming will be available for those account holders who have wagered:

1.) A minimum of $50 in the last 10 days you have accessed the video system or,
2.) A minimum of $50 during the last 30 days or,
3.) A minimum of $600 during the previous 12 months.

All account holders will have access to video streaming without limitations for their first 10 days of video access. Thereafter, viewing will be restricted until any of the minimum requirements are met. The account will then be automatically updated and the restriction will be lifted. The wagers accumulate for telephone and Internet service.

For most of our customers there will be no effect on video viewing. It is our feeling that we offer this service as a value add for customer loyalty. We are also planning another system upgrade that continues our effort to combine great service with high quality video. This change in policy addresses some concerns our customers have with the use of the video system.

America TAB Announces new "Players Club" - 9/13/02

America TAB and its wagering affiliates are pleased to announce the establishment of a new "Players Club" rewards program for its valued members.

The first benefit announced in conjunction with the creation of the new rewards program is effective immediately - all wager transaction fees incurred by Players Club members will be paid by corporate sponsors of the America TAB Players Club.

That's right, you can now bet on all of America's best racetracks, and let the Players Club sponsors pay all of your wagering fees! Best of all, for a limited time, you will automatically become a Players Club member by simply placing a wager with America TAB. As an added bonus, all wagering fees incurred through Sunday, September 15th during the month of September will be credited at the end of the month.

Additional "members only" benefits, promotions and contests will be announced in the future, so stay tuned as we build our new program. Coming soon to your favorite America TAB wagering affiliate's website, is a new Players Club section with complete rules and updates on the program.

The new Players Club is yet another way America TAB and its wagering affiliates continue to lead in account wagering. With access to all your favorite tracks using one account, advanced account management features, the best handicapping data from Brisnet.com, and the fastest betting platform, why go anywhere else for your account wagering needs?

If you have any questions or comments about the new Players Club, please contact Customer Service at 866-891-5100, or by e-mail.

NEW Account Management feature!

last updated 5/23/03