by John Zimich, publicity director, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, in line with its Hot Summer Fun theme, will be adding an exciting new Pick 7 wager, with a minimum $25,000 jackpot, starting with the live harness races on Tuesday, June 30.

The $25,000 jackpot will be increasing daily until someone correctly selects the winners of races six through 12 on a $2 wager. There will be daily consolation payouts for those selecting the highest number of winners.

In addition to the new Pick 7 wager, the Pacers Clubhouse Restaurant will offer dining specials on Tuesday and Wednesday nights in July. Pacers will feature a prime rib dinner with side salad for $12.95 and an all you can eat pasta special, with a choice of three pastas and sauces, for $9.95.

Also, anyone purchasing any Pacers entrée on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July will receive a free $5 wagering voucher good only for the live races on that evening.

“The Pick 7 is a popular national wagering option as both serious and casual guests find large prize payouts very attractive,” said Jim Wise, vice president of marketing.

“We also believe the dining special delivers a combination of value and excitement, making it a great midweek place to eat and to be entertained. The racing quality is exciting and we’ve had many of the top horsemen from throughout North America competing here. And there’s more to come with the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and Grand Circuit week in July, August and September.”

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs saw an increase in its simulcast wagering handle of the 2009 Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

On track, the Kentucky Derby simulcast handle at the main track increased to $268,417 from $251,346 in 2008 while the Preakness handle went from $144,622 in 2008 to $171,629 this year. Belmont handle went from $137,766 to $147,408 in 2009.

Overall Belmont handles at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, along with its four off-track wagering sites, phone and internet wagering, was up three percent from $488,254 in 2008 to $530,439 in 2009.

During the simulcasts of the first two Triple Crown races at the main track, management awarded VIP trips for two to the Preakness and Belmont. Outdoor barbecues were also held.

Post time for the Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday night cards is 6:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. For clubhouse reservations call 1-888-WIN IN PA.