IDABET.COM, CO-PROMOTIONS WITH LES BOIS LEAD TO IDAHO RACING RESURGENCE

July 19, 2011 - The resurgence of racing in Idaho was not limited to Sandy Downs. Track operators Jim and Melissa Bernard opened their first Turf Club off track betting venue this spring inside the Fort Hall Casino. Utilizing state of the art technology, the Turf Club offers convenient wagering in a plush setting seven day a week.

The Bernard’s are also setting the pace with the first anniversary of their Idabet.com, the state’s exclusive ADW or online wagering service. Idabet.com now hosts bettors from coast to coast who have the opportunity to bet on more than 350 worldwide racetracks.

“Our players in Idaho and throughout the country have been able to watch and wager on everything from the Dubai Cup to the Hollywood Gold Cup. This year we added the tracks in New York and California giving them the opportunity to bet two of the greatest meets of the year starting next week at Saratoga and Del Mar,” said company president Jim Bernard.

The growth of Idabet.com in the last quarter has been as fast as an AQHA Derby with daily business increasing more than 1000%. “It is so gratifying seeing a racing fan from Florida or Ohio using an Idaho based business to enjoy and support our sport,” said Melissa Bernard, Idabet’s director. “The bottom line is the growth of Sandy Downs, Fort Hall and Idabet.com means more revenue and exposure for Idaho racing, owners, trainers and breeders. Add the reopening of Les Bois Park and there’s unbridled optimism for Idaho racing,” added Melissa Bernard.

Last Wednesday, Idabet.com teamed up with Treasure Valley Racing, operators of Les Bois to allow Idabet.com players to watch live video of the Boise track and wager from almost anyplace across the country. Idabet.com will continue to feature Les Bois for the rest of their season. To ensure more fans turn their attention to Idaho racing, the Bernards are paying top bonus rewards to players who bet those tracks.

“There’s still a long way to go to get Idaho racing on strong footing, especially when you are competing with casino-enriched purses and breeding funds in so many states. However, the cooperation between tracks and horsemen and the legislature’s positive response to our efforts should give all Idaho racing enthusiasts plenty to look forward to,” added Jim Bernard.
Racing continues at Sandy Downs on Friday and Saturday, July 22, 23, 29 and 30 with post time at 6 p.m. MDT.