The name of the game is wagering. Here are some of the wagering terms you might hear at Valley Race Park:
Three equal wagers placed on one greyhound to win, place and to show.
The odds displayed on the tote board after wagering closes.
A wager whereby the bettor must select the winners of two consecutive races, usually the first and second races, prior to the first race.
Studying greyhounds' race histories to select the best wagering options.
The total amount wagered on a race or on a day's races.
The track handicappers' estimate of the probable payoffs for each greyhound at post time.
Odds that are less than even money ($1 to $1)
The wagering format which allows each player to compete against the other players ("among ourselves") rather than against the track.
A wagering technique whereby the bettor reinvests the proceeds from a wager in one race into another race or races.
The total amount of money wagered on any one type of wager (win, show, exacta pools, etc.)
The system of computers and electronic components tied to the pari-mutuel ticket issuing machines that calculates the odds to $1 and computes the various winning payoffs.
An electronic board displaying approximate odds, amount wagered, track condition, post time, time of day, results of race, running time and payoff prices.
To make an exotic wager (e.g. exacta or daily double) using a single "key" dog with the balance of the field (in the case of an exacta) or all the greyhounds in the other race (in the case of a daily double)