Bettors follow the action from their carrels. Photo by Gary Quill.

Bettors follow the action from their carrels at the Horseshoe. Photo by Gary Quill.

From a Maryland Jockey Club release

The Maryland Jockey Club announced today its off-track betting facility at the Horseshoe Casino in downtown Baltimore has handled more than $5 million in less than six months.

The simulcast facility, which has been expanded twice and is now located in a 3,000 square-foot area on the first floor of the casino, has been part of the revitalization of Maryland racing over the past year. Total handle on Maryland racing is up $53 million from last year.

The off-track betting facility has proven to be such a positive that the Maryland Jockey Club is planning additional betting facilities at Timonium and Boonsboro. The facility at Timonium will be located on the second floor of the grandstand, adjacent to the restaurant, and could be open by late November or early December, according to Maryland Jockey Club President and General Manager Sal Sinatra.

“We’re extremely pleased with our facility at the Horseshoe Casino,” Sinatra said. “It’s been a win, win, win for the Maryland Jockey Club, the Horseshoe and our horsemen. We’re expecting a big crowd there on Breeders’ Cup weekend.

“The off-track betting facilities are another way for us to grow our product and showcase the great racing in Maryland. The quality of racing and the size of our fields continue to grow. We’re looking forward to opening these additional off-track betting facilities and showcasing the sport to even more people.”