Delaware, the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, will be the first
state to offer bettors the chance to wager on which horse will finish last in a
race. “Last” wagering, a new betting opportunity that track officials hope will
stimulate pools, will make its debut at the Standardbred track Delaware Downs on
Wednesday and could be in place for Delaware Park’s opening day on April 18.
Racing officials are excited about the new wagering platform.
“Racetracks need new wagering concepts to keep horseplayers happy these days
because there is so much competition from other forms of gambling,” said Joseph
Notar, head of the Delaware Association of Horsemen. “There have been
innovations to existing wagers, like the 10-cent superfecta, 50-cent trifecta
and rolling daily doubles, but few new bets have been offered over the last 10
years. I think this is a wager that the public will show great interest in.”
Railbird Dan Cafarelli concurs: “It always seems like my selection finishes
last, so this will give me a saver option.”
The winning payout will be made to the last horse that crosses the finish
line. If successful, Delaware will look to add “last” exactas and a “last”
daily double. A window within the video feed will keep an eye on who is trailing
throughout the race.
For the time being, “last” wagers will be accepted only on track.