WSR 03-09-133

PROPOSED RULES

HORSE RACING COMMISSION


[ Filed April 23, 2003, 9:21 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 03-05-068.

     Title of Rule: WAC 260-48-890 Trifecta pools, 260-48-900 Twin trifecta pools, and 260-48-910 Superfecta pools.

     Purpose: Allowing for more common ties in exotic pools.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 67.16.040.

     Summary: Amending exotic pools to allow for more common ties.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: Provide greater betting opportunities for the betting public.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Robert J. Lopez, Olympia, Washington, (360) 459-6462; Implementation and Enforcement: Robert M. Leichner, Olympia, Washington, (360) 459-6462.

     Name of Proponent: Washington Horse Racing Commission, governmental.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The purpose for this rule change is to relax the current criteria for allowing a trifecta/superfecta/twin trifecta on races with more than one common tie.

     This is being requested due to the decreasing number of trainers forcing the larger stables to run more than one entry in a race. This would give the public fuller fields on which to wager.

     This is being supported with the stipulations that the stewards approve the expansion on a race-to-race basis. This would also be done in consultation with the racing secretary depending on the quality of horses in a particular race.

     The rule explains how a trifecta/superfecta/twin trifecta is determined and how the payoffs will be distributed in the case of a dead-heat. In addition it states the criteria for the number of common ties in order to allow these wagers. The change will permit the management in consultation with the stewards to allow trifecta/superfecta/twin trifecta with more than one common tie in a race. This is currently allowed in stakes races and has not been any problem to date. The effect of the change will be more opportunity for these types of wagers in addition to giving owners and trainers more chances to run their horses.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Allows for more common ties with approval of the board of stewards for trifecta, twin trifecta, and superfecta pools.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The changes will not impose any costs upon businesses in the horse racing industry.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. The rule is not subject to this section under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(a).

     Hearing Location: Auburn City Council Chambers, 25 West Main, Auburn, WA 98001, on June 12, 2003, at 10:30 a.m.

     Submit Written Comments to: Robert Leichner, Executive Secretary, Washington Horse Racing Commission, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA, 98516-5578, fax (360) 459-6461, by June 11, 2003.

     Date of Intended Adoption: June 12, 2003.

April 22, 2003

R. M. Leichner

Executive Secretary


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-01-148, filed 12/19/97, effective 1/19/98)

WAC 260-48-890   Trifecta pools.   (1) The trifecta requires selection of the first three finishers, in their exact order, for a single race.

     (2) The net trifecta pool shall be distributed to winning wagers in the following precedence, based upon the official order of finish:    

     (a) As a single price pool to those whose combination finished in correct sequence as the first three betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (b) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first two betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then          

     (c) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the first-place betting interest only; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (d) The entire pool shall be refunded on trifecta wagers for that race.

     (3) If less than three betting interests finish and the race is declared official, payoffs will be made based upon the order of finish of those betting interests completing the race. The balance of any selection beyond the number of betting interests completing the race shall be ignored.

     (4) If there is a dead heat for first involving:

     (a) Horses representing three or more betting interests, all of the wagering combinations selecting three betting interests which correspond with any of the betting interests involved in the dead heat shall share in a profit split.

     (b) Horses representing two betting interests, both of the wagering combinations selecting the two dead-heated betting interests, irrespective of order, along with the third-place betting interest shall share in a profit split.

     (5) If there is a dead heat for second, all of the combinations correctly selecting the winner combined with any of the betting interests involved in the dead heat for second shall share in a profit split.

     (6) If there is a dead heat for third, all wagering combinations correctly selecting the first two finishers, in correct sequence, along with any of the betting interests involved in the dead heat for third shall share in a profit split.

     (7) There shall be only one instance of two horses having common ties in any trifecta race, ((stakes races are)) except((ed)) with permission of the stewards.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 67.16.040. 98-01-148, § 260-48-890, filed 12/19/97, effective 1/19/98; 96-10-014, § 260-48-890, filed 4/19/96, effective 6/11/96.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 96-10-014, filed 4/19/96, effective 6/11/96)

WAC 260-48-900   Twin trifecta pools.   (1) The twin trifecta requires selection of the first three finishers, in their exact order, in each of two designated races. Each winning ticket for the first twin trifecta race must be exchanged for a free ticket on the second twin trifecta race in order to remain eligible for the second-half twin trifecta pool. Winning first-half wagers will receive both an exchange and a monetary payoff. Both of the designated twin trifecta races shall be included in only one twin trifecta pool.

     (2) Twin trifecta wagering may be conducted by Class A and B licensees at the discretion of the commission upon written application by an association.

     (3) After wagering closes for the first-half of the twin trifecta and commissions have been deducted from the pool, the net pool shall then be divided into two separate pools: The first-half twin trifecta pool and the second-half twin trifecta pool. The percentage allocated to each pool must be approved by the commission.

     (4) In the first twin trifecta race only, winning wagers shall be determined using the following precedence, based upon the official order of finish for the first twin trifecta race:

     (a) As a single price pool to those whose combination finished in the correct sequence as the first three betting interest; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (b) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first two betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (c) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the first-place betting interest only; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (d) The entire twin trifecta pool for that day shall be refunded on twin trifecta wagers for that race and the second-half shall be cancelled.

     (5) If no first-half twin trifecta ticket selects the first three finishers of that race in exact order, winning ticket holders shall not receive any exchange tickets for the second-half twin trifecta pool. In such case, the second-half twin trifecta pool shall be retained and added to any existing twin trifecta carry-over pool.

     (6) Winning tickets from the first-half of the twin trifecta shall be exchanged for tickets selecting the first three finishers of the second-half of the twin trifecta. The second-half twin trifecta pool shall be distributed to winning wagers in the following precedence, based upon the official order of finish for the second twin trifecta race:

     (a) As a single price pool, including any existing carry-over monies, to those whose combination finished in correct sequence as the first three betting interest; but if there are no such tickets, then

     (b) The entire second-half twin trifecta pool for that race shall be added to any existing carry-over monies and retained for the corresponding second-half twin trifecta pool of the next consecutive race card.

     (7) Subject to subsection 19(e) of the twin trifecta rules, if a winning first-half twin trifecta ticket is not presented for cashing and exchange prior to the second-half twin trifecta race, the ticket holder may still collect the monetary value associated with the first-half twin trifecta pool but forfeits all rights to any distribution of the second-half twin trifecta pool.

     (8) Coupled entries and mutuel fields shall be prohibited in twin trifecta races.

     (9) There shall be only one instance of two horses having common ties through a trainer in any twin trifecta race except with the permission of the stewards.

     (10) Should a betting interest in the first-half of the twin trifecta be scratched, those twin trifecta wagers including the scratched betting interest shall be refunded.

     (11) Should a betting interest in the second-half of the twin trifecta be scratched, an announcement concerning the scratch shall be made and a reasonable amount of time shall be provided for exchange of tickets that include the scratched betting interest.

     (12) If there is a dead heat or multiple dead heats in either the first- or second-half of the twin trifecta, all twin trifecta wagers selecting the correct order of finish, counting a betting interest involved in a dead heat as finishing in any dead-heated position, shall be a winner. In the case of dead heat occurring in:

     (a) The first-half of the twin trifecta, the payoff shall be calculated as a profit split

     (b) The second-half of the twin trifecta, the payoff shall be calculated as a single price pool.

     (13) If either of the twin trifecta races are cancelled prior to the first twin trifecta race, or the first twin trifecta race is declared "no race," the entire twin trifecta pool for that day shall be refunded on twin trifecta wagers for that race and the second-half shall be cancelled.

     (14) If the second-half twin trifecta race is cancelled or declared "no race," all exchange tickets and outstanding first-half winning twin trifecta tickets shall be entitled to the net twin trifecta pool for that race as a single price pool, but not the twin trifecta carry-over. If there are no such tickets, the net twin trifecta pool shall be distributed as described in subsections (4) of the twin trifecta rules.

     (15) If, due to a late scratch, the number of betting interests in the second-half of the twin trifecta is reduced to fewer than 6, all exchange tickets and outstanding first-half winning tickets shall be entitled to the second-half twin pool for that race as a single price pool, but not the twin trifecta carry-over.

     (16) If it be determined by the stewards that a horse has been prevented from racing because of the failure of the stall door of the starting gate to open (nonstarter) in the second-half of the twin trifecta only, there will be no refund or consolation payoff. The official order of finish as posted shall be used to determine payoffs. This will not affect other pools for this race.

     (17) A written request for permission to distribute the twin trifecta carry-over on a specific race card may be submitted to the commission. The request must contain justification for the distribution, an explanation of the benefit to be derived, and the intended date of race card for the distribution.

     (18) Contrary to subsection (5) of the twin trifecta rules, during a race card designated to distribute the twin trifecta carry-over, exchange tickets will be issued for those combinations selecting the greatest number of betting interests in their correct order of finish for the first-half of the twin trifecta. If there are no wagers correctly selecting the first-, second-, and third-place finishers, in their exact order, then exchange tickets shall be issued for combinations as described in subsection (4) of the twin trifecta rules.

     (19) Should the twin trifecta carry-over be designated for distribution on a specified date, the following precedence will be followed in determining winning tickets for the second-half of the twin trifecta after completion of the first-half of the twin trifecta:

     (a) As a single price pool to those whose combination finished in correct sequence as the first three betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (b) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first two betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (c) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the first-place betting interest only; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (d) As a single price pool to holders of valid exchange tickets.

     (e) As a single price pool to holders of outstanding first-half winning tickets.

     (20) The twin trifecta carry-over shall be designated for distribution on a specified date and race card only under the following circumstances:

     (a) Upon written approval from the commission as provided in subsection (17) of the twin trifecta rules.

     (b) On the closing race card of the meet or split meet.

     (21) If, for any reason, the twin trifecta carry-over must be held over to the corresponding twin trifecta pool of the association's subsequent meet, the carry-over shall be deposited in an interest-bearing account approved by the commission. The twin trifecta carry-over plus accrued interest shall then be added to the second-half twin trifecta pool of the association's following meet.

     (22) If racing is cancelled prior to the first-half of the twin trifecta on the closing race card of the meet or split meet, the carry-over will be held over in accordance with subsection (20) of the twin trifecta rules.

     (23) If racing is cancelled after the running of the first-half but before the running of the second-half on the closing race card of the meet or split meet, the carry-over pool will be paid as a single price to holders of exchange tickets or outstanding winning tickets from the first-half.

     (24) Providing information to any person regarding covered combinations, amounts wagered on specific combinations, number of tickets sold, or number of valid exchange tickets is prohibited. This shall not prohibit necessary communications between totalisator and parimutuel department employees for processing of pool data.

     (25) The acceptance of a twin trifecta ticket by taking an issued ticket away from the window of the terminal from which it was issued shall constitute an acknowledgment by the bettor that the ticket is correct. Exchange tickets may not be canceled and/or reissued except as provided by these rules. The association, totalisator company, and state may not be liable to any person for a twin trifecta ticket which is not:

     (a) A winning ticket in accordance with the provisions of this rule; or

     (b) Delivered for any reason, including but not limited to mechanical malfunction, electrical failure, machine locking, phone line failure, or other cause.

     (26) Twin trifecta tickets shall be sold and exchanged only by the association through parimutuel machines.

     (27) The twin trifecta carry-over may be capped at a designated level approved or set by the commission so that if, at the close of any race card, the amount in the twin trifecta carry-over equals or exceeds the designated cap, the twin trifecta carry-over will be frozen until it is won or distributed under other provisions of this rule. After the twin trifecta carry-over is frozen, 100 percent of the net twin trifecta pool for each individual race shall be distributed to winners of the first-half of the twin trifecta pool.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 67.16.040. 96-10-014, § 260-48-900, filed 4/19/96, effective 6/11/96.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-06-026, filed 2/23/99, effective 3/26/99)

WAC 260-48-910   Superfecta pools.   (1) The superfecta requires selection of the first four finishers, in their exact order, for a single race.

     (2) The net superfecta pool shall be distributed to winning wagers in the following precedence, based upon the official order of finish:

     (a) As a single price pool to those whose combination finished in correct sequence as the first four betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (b) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first three betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (c) As a single price pool to those whose combination included, in correct sequence, the first two betting interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (d) As a single price pool to those whose combination correctly selected the first-place betting interest only; but if there are no such wagers, then

     (e) The entire pool shall be refunded on superfecta wagers for that race.

     (3) If less than four betting interests finish and the race is declared official, payoffs will be made based upon the order of finish of those betting interests completing the race. The balance of any selection beyond the number of betting interests completing the race shall be ignored.

     (4) If there is a dead heat for first involving:

     (a) Horses representing four or more betting interests, all of the wagering combinations selecting four betting interests which correspond with any of the betting interests involved in the dead heat shall share in a profit split.

     (b) Horses representing three betting interests, all of the wagering combinations selecting the three dead-heated betting interests, irrespective of order, along with the fourth-place betting interest shall share in a profit split.

     (c) Horses representing two betting interests, both of the wagering combinations selecting the two dead-heated betting interests, irrespective of order, along with the third-place and fourth-place betting interests shall share in a profit split.

     (5) If there is a dead heat for second involving:

     (a) Horses representing three or more betting interests, all of the wagering combinations correctly selecting the winner combined with any of the three betting interests involved in the dead heat for second shall share in a profit split.

     (b) Horses representing two betting interests, all of the wagering combinations correctly selecting the winner, the two dead-heated betting interests, irrespective of order, and the fourth-place betting interest shall share in a profit split.

     (6) If there is a dead heat for third, all wagering combinations correctly selecting the first two finishers, in correct sequence, along with any two of the betting interests involved in the dead heat for third shall share in a profit split.

     (7) If there is a dead heat for fourth, all wagering combinations correctly selecting the first three finishers, in correct sequence, along with any of the betting interests involved in the dead heat for fourth shall share in a profit split.

     (8) There shall be only one instance of two horses having common ties through a trainer in any superfecta race, ((stakes races are)) except((ed)) with permission of the stewards.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 67.16.040. 99-06-026, § 260-48-910, filed 2/23/99, effective 3/26/99.]

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