On Friday night, March 30, the early double (races one and two) paid $2.70 for a two dollar wager. This payoff was peculiar because the winning horse in the second race, Ideal Miss, paid $29.80 to win. Immediately following the second race, Buffalo Raceway began a full investigation of this matter with the cooperation of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board.

 

It was determined that a professional horse bettor, who resides in Florida, wagered $4,328 straight on the winning combination (4-2). A total of $4,383 was wagered on the winning combination throughout the entire network including $4.00 at Buffalo Raceway. The bettor who made the wager (International Software Services) did so through Racing Gaming Services and the United Tote Hub. This company is one of several in the United States that uses computerized selection wagering, looking for overlays-and wagers multi millions annually on horse racing throughout the country. In this case, Buffalo Raceway has been informed that there was a malfunction in International Software Services computer program, and the wager, which was totally independent from other wagers placed on the race, was wagered in error by the bettor. Ironically, it won. It was totally legal and permissible under the wagering rules promulgated by the State of New York.

 

Due to the oddity and subsequent confusion Buffalo Raceway, in cooperation with Racing and Gaming Services and International Software Services  and pending New York State Racing and Wagering Board approval, will giveaway $6,000 of wagering vouchers on Belmont weekend, June 8 - 10.  Complete details will be announced soon.  "It was first thought to spend the $6,000 promotional money on seeding the daily double pool for three consecutive Fridays but upon further review it was determined that he necessary regulatory approvals and tote protocol could not be obtained in this short period of time," said COO Jim Mango.