Off-Track Betting ‘Qwik Bets’ Hits Main Street Pub

owner Scott McKinnon sees the latest addition to his business as a sure fire bet-Qwik Bet, that is.

When OTB filed for bankruptcy last March it expanded Internet betting operations and doubled the number of betting machines known as Qwik Bet. Patrons who don't wish to travel to the Hauppauge OTB can place bets at Main Street. 

"The way the economy has been going the last few years, I am very fortunate to have Qwik Bet in my establishment," said McKinnon. "It really helps out."

According to OTB spokeswoman, Debbie Pfieffer, adding Qwik Bet locations at neighborhood bars ss part of their reorganization. Pfeiffer.

“We’ve made a big push with the Qwik Bet, since we did have to close a number of branches last year, so folks can still wager especially on the big race days,” she said. “Our employees will be available on those big days to help first-time betters — we don’t want people to be intimidated by these machines.”

All the bartender has to do it give the customer a cash voucher from a machine at the bar, then the voucher is used to make the bet at the Qwik Bet machines located at the end of the far end of the barroom.

"My experience with Qwik Bet and Suffolk County OTB has been a huge success for the customers and my the pub," said McKinnon. "The Qwik Bet machines are self-service, user friendly. You can bet seven days a week from noon to midnight, get the current odds and bet all different tracks around the country with simulcast racing," he said.

Southampton Publick House has had Qwik Bet available in their taproom for almost a year now and owner Don Sullivan said it fits in perfectly.

“Our taproom is geared toward a sports theme, so I don’t think they’re out of place,” he said. “They have a subtle impact — we don’t run it all night long. Some people place a few bets and stay for a drink or a bite to eat, others bet and then leave. It’s no different that any other major sport — it brings people in.”

McKinnon sees the addtion as a boost to business.

"Its a draw for the business, also they bet the horses, eat, drink and tend to stay a lot longer because of the Qwik Bet," he said.

See attached PDF for full listing of Suffolk Qwik Bet locations.