A Race Night is a fun filled night of filmed horseracing.on either DVD, VHS video or 16mm cine film, where your audience can bet on which horse or horses they think may be race winners, and then if they are lucky, claim the prize money.
At the beginning of each race your audience is invited to choose the winning horse by purchasing a tote ticket, which clearly states the race and the runner number. The price of the tote ticket is left to your discretion, usually 50p, but remember, the higher the tote ticket price, the bigger the payout on each race and of course, the more profit for you. All the tickets are both colour and number coded to avoid any confusion.
We use the ‘tote system’ to calculate the winnings, which basically means that money is collected in, a percentage is retained for funds, and the remainder is paid out as winnings - in other words, add up the money taken, subtract your percentage, and divide the remainder between the winners.
Unlike a High Street bookmaker, odds are not offered in advance of the race, as it is not known how much money has been placed until the ‘tote’ is closed. Selection is made from fictitious names on a race card, and horses are identified on screen by number only.
When all bets have been placed, the ‘tote’ is closed and a member of the audience is invited to select one of the films (which are in sealed containers), to be the race shown. As it is a purely random selection, then no-one can possibly know what race or what horses will be running.
The lights are then dimmed and the excitement begins as the film is shown and the horses race towards the finishing post. While the race is on, the amount to be paid out to winners, and the amount to be retained for funds, is calculated. Working this out is quite simple with the help of our handy payout forms which are supplied free with every order.
When all the winners have claimed their winnings, the tote is re-opened for the next race and the fun starts all over again.
Only Racefilm Services offer so many diverse and moneymaking options for more variety and excitement. The main profit makers on a race night are as follows:-
Entrance Ticket. Admission by pre-paid ticket should cover much of your costs. A good idea is to make ‘Admission by Programme’ by using our race-cards.
Tote Ticket Sales. The audience will be able to buy as many tickets on as many horses as they like, and the fund raising organisation is entitles to retain a percentage of the amount staked on each race. A retention of 50% is usual.
Horse Owners. Sell each horse (preferably in advance) for a small fee (£2/£3) with only one winner per horse - the owner of the winning horse receives a prize, perhaps a bottle, or cash.
Racecards. Our humourous Racecards list the runners etc. These can be used as ‘Admission by Programme’ and can be customised to suit your requirements.
Sponsors. Invite local businesses, shops or benevolent friends to sponsor a race for a small fee (£10-£20). In return they will receive welcome publicity and goodwill from a roomful of potential customers.
Forecast Tickets. The winner has to guess the 1st and 2nd past the post in the right order. Payout and your profit can be substantial.
Tote Double. The winner has to guess the 1st past the post in TWO races, again in the right order.
Tote Double 64 Game. Large poster format, 64 winning combinations.
Wingo. It’s like Bingo but more fun.
Auction Race Usually the last race - Each of the 8 horses are auctioned off to the highest bidder, the winning owners receiving a prize or a percentage of the monies received.
Bar Sales. In some instances the main purpose of a race night is to increase bar sales. Offering special drinks with relevant names, eg. Derby Day Bomber, Mares Delight, or a Red Rum, sold at a premium, is a good idea.