Seven months after the overhaul of Quinté+ with the emergence of the “Max” formula, the results recorded by the PMU on this new game are, to say the least, puzzling when we see the issues unfold daily on Equidia. Between 1er January 2024 and April 30, 2024, nearly 440 million euros were bet on Quinté+Max, compared to 455 million euros during this same period in 2023. This represents a drop in turnover on this very essential game for the sector – because it generates a good margin -, of 3.8% (the results in May which we have not yet seen seem better). During the presentation of the game last October, the representatives of the PMU emphasized the fact that the quinté lost on average in stakes between 4 and 5% each year since 2013. The result obtained since the start of the year therefore seems less worse than the dynamics recorded in the past. However, the new formula does not allow – for the moment? – to raise the bar despite the promises of the launch. “This launch phase of the new Quinté+ in November and December was excellent, with increases of over 10% each month on the offline network and 20% on the online network”underlined the marketing director of PMU, Olivier Pribile, when we questioned him on the subject three weeks ago. “At the same time, the “Max” option take-up was high over this period, beyond the objectives for Quinté+ offline, and well beyond that for e-Quinté+. Since the beginning of January, Quinté+ has suffered a drop in activity on its offline network, like other offline network bets which have suffered from an unfavorable economic situation since the start of the year which particularly affects our core customers. retail. The share of stakes with the “Max” option, however, remains at a high level, it represents between 15 and 20% of the bet stakes, always above forecasts. On the online network which has suffered less from the economic contraction since the 1er January, the e-Quinté+ stakes therefore increase between 5 and 10%, with a very high “Max” option taking rate of around 30%.”
Also read: Olivier Pribile at the head of marketing
A bet with very big winners
By paying more for their game formula, bettors who opt for the “Max” option (€3 versus €2) hope to multiply their winnings by two, or even ten. However, this additional cost of half the stake can quickly add up in the case of combined formulas. So, for example for 7 associated horses, the player must pay €21 in addition to his basic bet of €42. But the problem is that until now, we cannot say that the promise of “producing” important winners has been kept. Certainly, since the launch, more than 220 bettors have won more than €10,000 thanks to a X2 or was recorded. It was March 7 with €1,027,684 dropped on Reunion Island. This remains ten times lower than the record earnings at PMU which is 10.5 million euros. And above all, this represents an expectation of winnings that is far too low to try to attract the attention of players who are drowning under the demands of tens of millions of euros from Française des Jeux. There remains the case of the very divisive Bonus 4sur5, the one which, according to PMU studies, was requested by bettors. The years pass and its Achilles heel remains: very (too) recycling, it impacts relationships too much, dissuading combination players from aligning competitors for fear of not even seeing their stake refunded in the event of bonus winnings. As recently as Friday evening, at the end of the Quinté+ contested in Vincennes, the Bonus 4sur5 and the Bonus 3 both posted the strict minimum of €2.20 for every €2 wagered. Not much of an incentive, right? In any case the results obtained by the PMU on this Quinté+ Max lead us to believe that the operator has not yet found the magic formula for quinté, the one which will allow horse racing betting to break down the barriers vis-à-vis the general public, as was once the good old Tiercé.
A new formula criticized
Subscribers to the page Facebook of ParisTurf were asked in May by survey on the following question: “Do you find the new Quinté+ Max formula put on sale by the PMU last November to your liking?” Far from the studies carried out by the PMU (it would also be interesting to know precisely the panels consulted), 70% of respondents responded “No”. “Give us back Bonus 4! Personally, I stopped playing Quinté+, the returns are not up to par, other games are much more profitable”, says a first responder. Note, however, as shown in the following table, that the average ratios are higher than the estimates provided by the PMU before the release of the game. “Do like me, play Tiercé”advises Josiane C. It is a completely forgotten and neglected game and yet very profitable. For €4, you play 4 horses, and even with favorites, it pays more than measly bonuses.” The new formula, however, has supporters, like Pascal P.: “It’s cool when you touch. The Max option is good in single quinté, expensive when you make combinations.” “For combination games, this is a real “scam”, because despite the number of higher combinations, you have no other choice than a single number”says Christophe E.
Average returns at Quinté+ Max * (for €2)
* Between November 4, 2023 and June 14, 2024, six quintés in order were not found.
Quinté+ Max: a game nevertheless very supported by the PMU
Whether through advertising reinforcements or operations of all kinds, we cannot say that the PMU is not injecting considerable resources into trying to make Quinté+ Max succeed. Thus, until this Saturday, June 15, since June 7, the PMU promoted an operation of free bets pocketed for Quinté+ Max played. This Sunday, a piggy bank of one million euros will be offered at points of sale and of €100,000 on pmu.fr. Since November, we have also seen periods during which the number of multiplier coefficients was doubled as well as X10 becoming X20.
