Virginia Law

A. Generally. Daily double, quinella, exacta, trifecta, quinella double, pick (n), twin trifecta, and superfecta pari-mutuel wagering pools shall be considered "multiple wagering." In any race or races, the daily double, quinella, exacta, trifecta, quinella double, pick (n), twin trifecta, and superfecta pools are treated separately and the distribution of the pools are calculated independently of each other. The "net pool" to be distributed shall be all sums wagered in the pool, less retainage and breakage, as defined elsewhere.

B. Daily double pools. The daily double wager is the purchase of a pari-mutuel ticket to select the two horses that will finish first in the two races specified as the daily double. If either of the selections fails to win, the pari-mutuel ticket is void, except as otherwise provided. The amount wagered on the winning combination, the horse or wagering interest which finishes first in the first race coupled with the horse or wagering interest finishing first in the second race of the daily double, is deducted from the net pool to determine the profit. The profit is divided by the amount wagered on the winning combination, the quotient being the profit per dollar wagered on the winning daily double. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit. In addition, the following provisions apply to daily double pools:

1. If there is a dead heat for first including two different wagering interests in one of the two daily double races, the daily double pool is distributed as if it were a place pool, with one-half of the net pool allocated to wagers combining the single winner of one daily double race and one of the wagering interests involved in the dead heat in the other daily double race, and with the other one‑half of the net pool allocated to the wagers combining the single winner of one daily double race and the other wagering interest involved in the dead heat in the other daily double race.

2. If there are dead heats for first involving different wagering interests in each of the daily double races which result in winning combinations, the net pool shall be allocated equally to the winning combinations after first deducting from the net pool the amount wagered on all winning combinations for proportionate allocation to the winning daily double combinations.

3. If no daily double ticket is sold combining the horse or wagering interest which finishes first in one of the daily double races, the daily double pool is distributed as if it were a win pool, with the net pool allocated to wagering combinations which include the horse or wagering interest which finished first in one of the daily double races.

4. If no daily double ticket is sold combining the horses or wagering interests which finish first in both the first and second race of the daily double, then the winning combinations for distribution of the daily double profit shall be that combining the horses or wagering interests which finished second in each of the daily double races.

5. If, after daily double wagering has begun, a horse not coupled with another as a wagering interest in the first race of the daily double is excused by the stewards or is prevented from obtaining a fair start, then daily double wagers combining the horse shall be deducted from the daily double pool and shall be promptly refunded.

6. If, after the first race of the daily double has been run, a horse not coupled with another as a wagering interest in the second race of the daily double is excused by the stewards or prevented from obtaining a fair start, then daily double wagers combining the winner of the first daily double race with the horse, which was excused or was prevented from obtaining a fair start, shall be allocated a consolation daily double.

7. Consolation daily double payoffs shall be determined by dividing the net daily double pool by the amount wagered combining the winner of the first daily double race with every horse or wagering interest scheduled to start in the second daily double race, the quotient being the consolation payoff per dollar wagered combining the winner of the first daily double race with the horse prevented from racing in the second daily double race. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit. The consolation payoff shall be deducted from the net daily double pool before calculation and allocation of wagers on the winning daily double combination.

8. If for any reason the first race of the daily double is cancelled and declared "no contest" a full and complete refund shall be promptly made of the daily double pool.

9. If for any reason the second race of the daily double is cancelled and declared "no contest," the net daily double pool shall be paid to the holders of daily double tickets which include the winner of the first race. If no such ticket is sold, then the net daily double pool shall be paid to the holders of daily double tickets which include the second place horse. If no daily double tickets were sold on the second place horse, then the licensee shall make a prompt refund.

C. Quinella pools. The quinella wager is the purchase of a pari-mutuel ticket to select the first two horses to finish in the race. The order in which the horses finish is immaterial. The amount wagered on the winning combination, the first two finishers irrespective of which horse finishes first and which horse finishes second, is deducted from the net pool to determine the profit. The net pool is divided by the amount wagered on the winning combination. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit. In addition, the following provisions apply to the quinella pools:

1. If there is a dead heat for first between horses including two different wagering interests, the net quinella pool is distributed as if no dead heat occurred. If there is a dead heat among horses involving three different wagering interests, the net quinella pool is distributed as if it were a show pool and the pool is allocated to wagers combining any of the three horses finishing in the dead heat for first.

2. If there is a dead heat for second between horses including two different wagering interests, the net quinella pool is distributed as if it were a place pool and it is allocated to wagers combining the first finisher with either horse finishing in a dead heat for second. If the dead heat is among horses involving three different wagering interests, the net quinella pool is distributed as if it were a show pool and it is allocated to wagers combining the first horse with each of the three horses finishing in a dead heat for second.

3. If horses representing a single wagering interest finish first and second, the net quinella pool shall be allocated to wagers combining the single wagering interest with the horse or wagering interest with the horses or wagering interest which finishes third.

4. If no quinella ticket is sold combining the first finisher with one of the horses finishing in a dead heat for second, then the net quinella pool is allocated to wagers combining the first finisher with the other horse finishing in a dead heat for second.

5. If no quinella ticket is sold combining the first finisher with either of the horses finishing in a dead heat for second, then the net quinella pool is allocated to wagers combining the two horses which finished in the dead heat for second.

6. If no quinella ticket is sold combining the first finisher with either of the horses finishing in a dead heat for second, or combining the two horses which finished in a dead heat for second, the net quinella pool is distributed as if it were a show pool and it is allocated to wagers combining any of the first three finishers with any other horses.

7. If no quinella ticket is sold combining the first two finishers, then the net quinella pool shall be distributed as if it were a place pool and it is allocated to wagers combining the first finisher with any other horses and to wagers combining the second finisher with any other horse.

8. If no quinella ticket is sold combining horses or wagering interests as would require distribution, a full and complete refund shall be made of the entire quinella pool.

9. If a horse is excused by the stewards, no further quinella tickets shall be issued designating that horse, and all quinella tickets previously issued designating that horse shall be refunded and deducted from the gross pool.

D. Exacta pools. The exacta wager is the purchase of a pari-mutuel ticket to select the two horses that will finish first and second in a race. Payment of the ticket shall be made only to the purchaser who has selected the same order of finish as officially posted. The amount wagered on the winning combination, the horse finishing first and the horse finishing second, in exact order, is the amount to be deducted from the net exacta pool to determine the profit. The profit is divided by the amount wagered on the winning combination, the quotient being the profit per dollar wagered on the winning exacta combination. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit. In addition, the following provisions apply to the exacta pool:

1. If no ticket is sold on the winning combination of an exacta pool, the net exacta pool shall be distributed equally between holders of tickets selecting the winning horse to finish first and holders of tickets selecting the second place horse to finish second.

2. If there is a dead heat between two horses for first place, the net exacta pool shall be calculated and distributed as a place pool, one-half of the net exacta pool being distributed to holders of tickets selecting each of the horses in the dead heat to finish first with the other horse to finish second.

In case of a dead heat between two horses for second place, the net exacta pool shall be calculated as a place pool, one-half of the net exacta pool being distributed to holders of tickets selecting the horse to finish first and one horse in the dead heat, and the other one-half being distributed to holders selecting the horse to finish first and the other horse in the dead heat.

3. If there is a dead heat for second place and if no ticket is sold on one of the two winning combinations, the entire net exacta pool shall be calculated as a win pool and distributed to holders of the other winning combination. If no tickets combine the winning horse with either of the place horses in the dead heat, the net exacta pool shall be calculated and distributed as a place pool to holders of tickets representing any interest in the net pool.

4. If an entry finishes first and second, or mutuel field horses finish first and second, the net pool shall be distributed to holders of tickets selecting the entry to win combined with the horses having finished third.

5. If no ticket is sold that would require distribution of an exacta pool, the licensee shall make a complete and full refund of the exacta pool.

6. If a horse is excused by the stewards, no further exacta tickets shall be issued designating that horse, and all exacta tickets previously issued designating that horse shall be refunded and deducted from the gross pool.

E. Trifecta pools. The trifecta wager is purchase of a pari-mutuel ticket to select the three horses that will finish first, second, and third in a race. Payment of the ticket shall be made only to the holder who has selected the same order of finish as officially posted. The amount wagered on the winning combination, the horse finishing first, the horse finishing second, and the horse finishing third, in exact order, is deducted from the pool to determine the profit. The profit is divided by the amount wagered on the winning combination, the quotient being the profit per dollar wagered on the winning combination. The return to the holder includes the amount wagered and the profit.

1. If no ticket is sold on the winning combination, the net trifecta pool shall be distributed equally among holders of tickets designating the first two horses in order.

2. If no ticket is sold designating, in order, the first two horses, the net trifecta pool shall be distributed equally among holders of tickets designating the horse to finish first.

3. If no ticket is sold designating the first horse to win, the net trifecta pool shall be distributed equally among holders of tickets designating the second and third horses in order. If no such ticket is sold, then the licensee shall make a prompt refund.

4. If less than three horses finish, the payout shall be made on tickets selecting the actual finishing horses, in order, ignoring the balance of the selection.

5. If there is a dead heat, all trifecta tickets selecting the correct order of finish, counting a horse in a dead heat as finishing in either position involved in the dead heat, shall be winning tickets. The net trifecta pool shall be calculated as a place pool.

6. If a horse is excused by the stewards, no further trifecta tickets shall be issued designating that horse, and all trifecta tickets previously issued designating the horse shall be refunded and deducted from the gross pool.

F. Quinella double pools. The quinella double requires selection of the first two finishers, irrespective of order, in each of two specified races.

1. The net quinella double pool shall be distributed to winning wagers in the following precedence, based upon the official order of finish:

a. If a coupled entry or mutuel field finishes as the first two contestants in either race, as a single price pool to those selecting the coupled entry or mutuel field combined with the next separate wagering interest in the official order of finish for that race, as well as the first two finishers in the alternate quinella double race; otherwise

b. As a single price pool to those who selected the first two finishers in each of the two quinella double races; but if there are no such wagers, then

c. As a profit split to those who selected the first two finishers in either of the two quinella double races; but if there are no such wagers on one of those races, then

d. As a single price pool to those who selected the first two finishers in the one covered quinella double race; but if there were no such wagers, then

e. The entire pool shall be refunded on quinella double wagers for those races.

2. If there is a dead heat for first in either of the two quinella double races involving:

a. Horses representing the same wagering interest, the quinella double pool shall be distributed to those selecting the coupled entry or mutuel field combined with the next separate wagering interest in the official order of finish for that race.

b. Horses representing two wagering interests, the quinella double pool shall be distributed as if no dead heat occurred.

c. Horses representing three or more wagering interests, the quinella double pool shall be distributed as a profit split.

3. If there is a dead heat for second in either of the quinella double races involving horses representing the same wagering interest, the quinella double pool shall be distributed as if no dead heat occurred.

4. If there is a dead heat for second in either of the quinella double races involving horses representing two or more wagering interests, the quinella double pool shall be distributed as profit split.

5. Should a wagering interest in the first half of the quinella double be scratched prior to the first quinella pool race being declared official, all money wagered on combinations including the scratched wagering interest shall be deducted from the quinella double pool and refunded.

6. Should a wagering interest in the second half of the quinella double be scratched prior to the close of wagering on the first quinella double contest, all money wagered on combinations including the scratched wagering interest shall be deducted from the quinella double pool and refunded.

7. Should a wagering interest in the second half of the quinella double be scratched after the close of wagering on the first quinella double race, all wagers combining the winning combination in the first race with a combination including the scratched wagering interest in the second race shall be allocated a consolation payout. In calculating the consolation payout, the net quinella double pool shall be divided by the total amount wagered on the winning combination in the first race and an unbroken consolation price obtained. The unbroken consolation price is multiplied by the dollar value of wagers on the winning combination in the first race combined with a combination including the scratched wagering interest in the second race to obtain the consolation payout. Breakage is not declared in this calculation. The consolation payout is deducted from the net quinella double pool before calculation and distribution of the winning quinella double payout. In the event of a dead heat involving separate wagering interests, the net quinella double pool shall be distributed as a profit split.

8. If either of the quinella double races is cancelled prior to the first quinella double race or the first quinella double race is declared "no contest," the entire quinella double pool shall be refunded on quinella double wagers for those races.

9. If the second quinella double race is cancelled or declared "no contest" after the conclusion of the first quinella double race, the net quinella double pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to wagers selecting the winning combination in the first quinella double race. If there are no wagers selecting the winning combination in the first quinella double race, the entire quinella double pool shall be refunded on quinella double wagers for those races.

G. Pick (n) pools. The pick (n) pool requires selection of the first-place finisher in each of a designated number of races. The licensee must obtain approval from the commission or its executive secretary concerning the scheduling of pick (n) contests, the designation of one of the methods prescribed in subdivision 1 of this subsection and the amount of any cap to be set on the carryover. Any changes to the approved pick (n) format require prior approval from the commission or its executive secretary.

1. The pick (n) pool shall be apportioned under one of the following methods:

a. Method 1, pick (n) with carryover. The net pick (n) pool and carryover, if any, shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. If there are no such wagers, then a designated percentage of the net pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races; and the remainder shall be added to the carryover.

b. Method 2, pick (n) with minor pool and carryover. The major share of the net pick (n) pool and carryover, if any, shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. The minor share of the net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in the second greatest number of pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. If there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher of all pick (n) contests, the minor share of the pick (n) pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races; and the major share shall be added to the carryover.

c. Method 3, pick (n) with no minor pool and no carryover. The net pick (n) pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. If there are no winning wagers, the pool is refunded.

d. Method 4, pick (n) with minor pool and no carryover. The major share of the net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. The minor share of the net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in the second greatest number of pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. If there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher in a second greatest number of pick (n) races, the minor share of the net pick (n) pool shall be combined with the major share for distribution as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races. If the greatest number of first-place finishers selected is one, the major and minor shares are combined for distribution as a single price pool. If there are no winning wagers, the pool is refunded.

e. Method 5, pick (n) with minor pool and no carryover. The major share of net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races, based on the official order of finish. The minor share of the net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in the second greatest number of pick (n) races, based upon the official order of finish. If there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher in all pick (n) races, the entire net pick (n) pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of pick (n) races. If there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher in a second greatest number of pick (n) races, the minor share of the pick (n) pool shall be combined with the major share for distribution as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races. If there are no winning wagers, the pool is refunded.

f. Method 6, pick (n) with minor pool, jackpot, major carryover and jackpot carryover. Predetermined percentages of the net pick (n) pool shall be set aside as a major pool, minor pool, and jackpot pool. The major share of the net pick (n) pool and the major carryover, if any, shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher of each of the pick (n) races, based on the official order of finish. If there are no tickets selecting the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races, the major net pool shall be added to the major carryover. If there is only one single ticket selecting the first-place finisher of each of the pick (n) races, based on the official order of finish, the jackpot share of the net pick (n) pool and the jackpot carryover, if any, shall be distributed to the holder of that single ticket, along with the major net pool and the major carryover, if any. If more than one ticket selects the first-place finisher of each of the pick (n) races, the jackpot net pool shall be added to the jackpot carryover. The minor share of the net pick (n) pool shall be distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher of the second greatest number of pick (n) races, based on the official order of finish. If there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher of all pick (n) races, the minor net pool of the pick (n) pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those who selected the first-place finisher of the greatest number of pick (n) races.

2. If there is a dead heat for first in any of the pick (n) races involving:

a. Horses representing the same wagering interest, the pick (n) pool shall be distributed as if no dead heat occurred.

b. Horses representing two or more wagering interests, the pick (n) pool shall be distributed as a single price pool with each winning wager receiving an equal share of the profit.

3. Should a wagering interest in any of the pick (n) races be scratched, the actual favorite, as evidenced by total amounts wagered in the win pool at the host track for the race at the close of wagering on that race, shall be substituted for the scratched wagering interest for all purposes, including pool calculations. In the event that the win pool total for two or more favorites is identical, the substitute selection shall be the wagering interest with the lowest program number. The totalizator shall produce reports showing each of the wagering combinations with substituted wagering interests which became winners as a result of the substitution, in addition to the normal winning combination. When the condition of the racecourse warrants a change of racing surface in any of the legs of a pick (n) with four or more races included, and such change has not been known to the public prior to the close of wagering for the pick (n) pool, the stewards shall declare the changed leg(s) an "all win" race(s) for pick (n) wagering purposes only. An "all win" race(s) will assign the winner of that race(s) to each pick (n) ticket holder as their selection for that race.

4. The pick (n) pool shall be cancelled and pick (n) wagers for the individual performance shall be refunded if:

a. At least two races included as part of a pick three are cancelled or declared "no contest."

b. At least three races included as part of a pick four, pick five or pick six are cancelled or declared "no contest."

c. At least four races included as part of a pick seven, pick eight or pick nine are cancelled or declared "no contest."

d. At least five races included as part of a pick 10 are cancelled or declared "no contest."

5. If at least one race included as part of a pick (n) is cancelled or declared "no contest," but not more than the number specified in subdivision 4 of this subsection, the net pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those whose selection finished first in the greatest number of pick (n) races for that program. The distribution shall include the portion ordinarily retained for the pick (n) carryover but not the carryover from previous performances.

6. The pick (n) carryover may be capped at a designated level approved by the commission so that if, at the close of any program, the amount in the pick (n) carryover equals or exceeds the designated cap, the pick (n) carryover will be frozen until it is won or distributed under other provisions of this chapter. After the pick (n) carryover is frozen, 100% of the net pool, part of which ordinarily would be added to the pick (n) carryover, shall be distributed to those whose selection finished first in the greatest number of pick (n) races for that program.

7. A licensee may request permission from the commission to distribute the pick (n) carryover on a specific program. The request must contain justification for the distribution, an explanation of the benefit to be derived and the intended date and program for the distribution.

8. Should the pick (n) carryover be designated for distribution on a specified date and performance in which there are no wagers selecting the first-place finisher in each of the pick (n) races, the entire pool shall be distributed as a single price pool to those whose selection finished first in the greatest number of pick (n) races. The pick (n) carryover shall be designated for distribution on a specified date and program only under the following circumstances:

a. Upon approval from the commission as provided in subdivision 7 of this subsection;

b. Upon approval from the commission when there is a change in the carryover cap, a change from one type of pick (n) wagering to another, or when the pick (n) is discontinued;

c. On the closing program of a race meeting.

9. If, for any reason, the pick (n) carryover must be held to the corresponding pick (n) pool to a subsequent race meeting, the carryover shall be deposited in an interest-bearing account approved by the commission. The pick (n) carryover plus accrued interest shall then be added to the net pick (n) pool on a date and program of the race meeting designated by the commission.

10. With the approval of the commission, a licensee may contribute to the pick (n) carryover a sum of money up to the amount of any designated cap.

11. Providing information to any person regarding the covered combinations, amounts wagered on specific combinations, number of tickets sold or number of live tickets remaining is strictly prohibited. This chapter shall not prohibit necessary communication between totalizator and mutuel employees for processing of pool data.

12. The licensee may suspend previously approved pick (n) wagering with the approval of the commission. Any carryover shall be held until the suspended pick (n) wagering is reinstated. The licensee may request approval of a pick (n) wager or separate wagering pool for specific programs.

H. Superfecta pools. The superfecta pool requires selection of the first four finishers, in their exact order, for a single race.

1. 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 wagering 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 wagering 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 wagering interests; but if there are no such wagers, then

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

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

2. If less than four wagering interests finish and the race is declared official, payouts will be made based upon the order of finish of those wagering interests completing the race. The balance of any selection beyond the number of wagering interests completing the race shall be ignored.

3. If there is a dead heat for first involving:

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

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

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

4. If there is a dead heat for second involving:

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

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

5. 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 wagering interests involved in the dead heat for fourth shall share in a profit split.

6. 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 wagering interests involved in the dead heat for fourth shall share in a profit split.