Betting on Horse Racing For Dummies

There are countless books written about horse racing, but one of the best beginners books on playing the races is written by Richard Eng.

Betting on Horse Racing for Dummies is an easy-to-understand guide that shows first-timer how to enjoy the sport of horse racing-and make smart bets. It explains what goes on at the track, what to look for in horses and jockeys, how to read a racing form and do simple handicapping, and how to manage betting funds and make wagers that stand a good chance of paying off. Complete with coverage of off-track and online betting, it's just what anyone needs to play the ponies-and win!

Richard Eng (Las Vegas, NV) is a racing writer and handicapper for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, a columnist for the Daily Racing Form, and the host of a horseracing radio program in Las Vegas. He was formerly a part of the ABC Sports team that covered the Triple Crown.

The 14 Flavors of Wings

It's great having 14 flavors of Planet Wings at Sports Haven, as wings lovers can try a variety and see what they like best. But what are the 14 flavors we're always raving about? Here's the list:

1. Mild
2. Medium
3. Hot
4. Suicidal
5. Lemon Pepper
6. Jamaican Jerk
7. Leapin' Lizard
8. BBQ
9. Teriyaki
10. Roasted Garlic BBQ
11. Gourmet Garlic
12. Hot BBQ
13. Honey BBQ
14. Parmesan Pepper

Sixty Minute Pick-6

Connecticut Off-Track Betting, including Sports Haven, will take wagering on the Sixty Minute Pick-6 Wager. Here is how it works.

Here are some of the highlights:
(1) The Sixty Minute 6 is a pick six made up of a half-dozen races rotating between four different tracks (Monmouth Park, NYRA, Philadelphia Park, and Delaware Park)
(2) All races in Sixty Minute 6 the will be run within a one-hour time period between approximately (3:40 PM and 4:30 PM EDT)
(3) The Sixty Minute 6 will be held every Saturday from June 21st through August 30th
(4) The Sixty Minute 6 will have a $100,000 pool guarantee on the first Saturday, June 21st
(5) The Sixty Minute 6 program information is available to download from your vendor as a separate file.
(6) The Sixty Minute 6 takeout rate is 25%.
(7) Information for this $2 base wager will be available through Philadelphia Park – www.philadelphiapark.com


So saddle up and get tied on for the Sixty Minute 6 every Saturday afternoon beginning June 21st

Connecticut Off-Track Betting (CT OTB)

Sports Haven (New Haven, CT) is one of ten branches that are commonly referred to as the Connecticut Off-Track Betting System. Although this is largest facility, there are two other so-called 'premier' locations. The other two are the Bradley Teletheater in Windsor Locks, and Shoreline Star in Bridgeport.

Just because the other branches are aren't big, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the heart-pounding action. All of our branch locations feature live racing action where you can watch and wager on the best thoroughbred, harness, greyhound and jai-alai action from across the country.

Although this blog is focused on Sports Haven, you can find more information about our entire operations at CT OTB

How to Play The Races

There are various strategies when you want to pick a horse. Plus, there are several ways to bet your horse...win, place, show....or if there are two horses you like, maybe you want to play the exacta.

It may sound overwhelming to a beginner, but once you understand the basics, it starts to become second nature. Here is an instruction guide on How To Play the Races.

And if you have any questions, our staff at Sports Haven is always ready to lend a hand.

Planet Wings at Sports Haven

People always ask us what our favorite wing flavors are.... but, with so many flavors, how do you choose? The fun part about working in a building with Planet Wings is that eventually, you get try them all.

You can try the standards - mild, medium and hot...and for those who are more daring...suicidal - which are some of the best buffalo wing sauces you'll ever taste.

But there are also some great non-buffalo flavors...honey BBQ, Jamaican Jerk, and Leapin Lizard tend to be favorites among several of the employees. In addition to the wings, Planet Wings at Sports Haven offers sandwiches, salads, burgers, Philly cheese steaks and more! And be sure to check out the Max Meals, which come with curly fries and a soda. The fries are addicting.

You can dine in or take your meal to go. With 14 flavors and so many other choices, you'll keep coming back for more.

Stay Cool At Sports Haven

"Wow, it's hot out there," has been a common comment the last few days. But, you can stay cool at Sports Haven.

As soon as you walk in, you feel the air temperature change to a nice, comfortable, cool.

The Shark Bar is stocked with your favorite cold beverages and a salad from Planet Wings or Silk's Restaurant will help cool you off.

Belmont Stakes at Sports Haven

Doors open 10:00 AM on Saturday for Belmont Stakes Day as Big Brown tries to join an elite group of horses. He will attempt to become racing's 12th Triple Crown Winner and the first since 1978 when Affirmed accomplished the feat!

The 140th running of the Belmont Stakes is race #11 from Belmont Park, with a post time of 6:33 PM. Enjoy $2 Bud Selects and enter to win a big-screen TV which will be given away after the race at Sports Haven.

There will be a $1 Million guaranteed Pick Six on races 6-11 at Belmont. If no one selects all 6 winners, there will be a carryover.

There will be a $1 million guaranteed Pick 4 on races 8 – 11. Minimum wager is $1.

Autotote Enterprises owns and operates the Off-Track Betting System in Connecticut, including Sports Haven on 600 Long Wharf Drive in New Haven, Shoreline Star in Bridgeport (Kossuth Street) , and the Bradley Teletheater in Windsor Locks, across from the Bradley International Airport.

Autotote owns RaceView Centers in Bristol (16 Barlow Street), Hartford (121 Brainard Road), and New Britain (Newbrite Plaza, East Main St.) Other locations include East Haven at 65 Frontage Road; Norwalk on Burnell Boulevard in the Norwalk Mall; Torrington (1703 East Main Street) and Waterbury at 155 Thomaston Avenue. In addition, Autotote operates the On The Wire phone wagering service. More information can be found on Autotote’s website, www.ctotb.com.

St. Jude's Benefit at Sports Haven

Friday, June 6th. A Benefit show to support St. Jude's Hospital~
A Night of Rockin' Blues with Chris DePino & Don't Tell Muddy
8:00 PM. Tickets are only $20 with proceeds to benefit St. Jude's Hospital.

Enjoy the show while supporting a great charity.

Belmont Stakes at Sports Haven and CT OTB

Big Brown tries to make history in the Belmont Stakes, Saturday June 7th. He will attempt to become racing's 12th Triple Crown Winner and the first since 1978 when Affirmed accomplished the feat!

The 140th running of the Belmont Stakes is race #11 from Belmont Park, with a post time of 6:33 PM. The first race from Belmont goes off at Noon.

Advance wagering on the race will start on Friday, June 6, at Sports Haven and all CT OTB locations.

On Saturday, all branches will open at 10:00 AM.

Wagering will be offered on the Brooklyn/Belmont Double, a Daily Double wager combining the Brooklyn Handicap (run Friday) and the Belmont Stakes (run Saturday). This is a $1 minimum wager and will be available until post time of the Brooklyn Handicap, approx. 5:12 PM on Friday.
There will be a $1 Million guaranteed Pick Six on races 6-11 at Belmont. If no one selects all 6 winners, there will be a carryover.

There will be a $1 million guaranteed Pick 4 on races 8 – 11. Minimum wager is $1.

Autotote Enterprises owns and operates the Off-Track Betting System in Connecticut, including Sports Haven on 600 Long Wharf Drive in New Haven, Shoreline Star in Bridgeport (Kossuth Street) , and the Bradley Teletheater in Windsor Locks, across from the Bradley International Airport.

Autotote owns RaceView Centers in Bristol (16 Barlow Street), Hartford (121 Brainard Road), and New Britain (Newbrite Plaza, East Main St.)

Other locations include East Haven at 65 Frontage Road; Norwalk on Burnell Boulevard in the Norwalk Mall; Torrington (1703 East Main Street) and Waterbury at 155 Thomaston Avenue.

In addition, Autotote operates the On The Wire phone wagering service. More information can be found on Autotote’s website, www.ctotb.com.