For the Reporter

Emerald Downs has announced a new wager for its 2016 season, and has lowered the minimum bet amount on several existing wagers.

Beginning opening day, Saturday, April 9, a new 20-cent Pick 7 will be offered on the final seven races each day. Featuring a reduced takeout of 16.1 percent, a portion of the wagering pool will carry over on days when there are no tickets with all seven winners.

“With a lower takeout this wager should offer value and a chance for a big score, especially when we get a string of carryovers,” said Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler. “And by making it a 20-cent wager, players can afford a realistic chance of winning.”

Also in 2016, rolling Pick 3 wagers have been lowered to a 50-cent minimum, rolling Daily Doubles have been lowered to a $1 minimum wager, and Trifectas have been reduced to a 50-cent minimum wager. Last year the superfecta wager was lowered to a 10-cent minimum. The Pick 4 and Pick 5 wagers remain at 50 cents, exactas remain at $1, and the 123 Pick 6 daily handicapping contest wager remains at $2.

The final race each day should have a lot of added excitement as it will be the final leg of a Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, 123 Racing Pick 6, and the new Pick 7.

Emerald Downs’ 20th anniversary season is 70 days of live racing, from April 9 to Sept. 11.

More information is available at www.emeralddowns.com.