Organisers have announced an increase in wagers for the 2016 Capital Betting and Wagering Limited/Jamaica Observer Tipsters’ competition.

The nominal betting figure for the season has moved up from $10,000 to $20,000 for each tipster, while the minimum betting stakes per race day is now at $250.

Also increased was the Parados figure, which moved from $1,000 to $2,000.

However, the prize monies remain the same. The winners in each category, Most Wins and Monetary, will again get $50,000 each and the quarterly incentives remain at $10,000.

Tipsters will receive prize money in the Monetary category if they finish with figures above the $20,000 nominal sum.

Meanwhile, Mario Wayne McCulloch (Slip Saddle) emerged as the overall champion last year.

McCulloch, who won the second, third and fourth quarters, was rewarded with prize money of $100,000 for winning both the Most Wins and Monetary categories.

He came out on top in the Most Wins category with 266 winners to take the incentive for the quarter and the overall champion.

McCulloch was a mere three wins clear of Leslie McLean (Hot Spur), who finished with 263 winners. Donald Bahadur (Sir Donald) was third on 257 wins — six ahead of the former overall champion Mark Orelue (The Lark) on 251.

In the Monetary category, McCullpch came out on top with a positive $14,005, with Perkin Hawthorn (Red Foxx) the closest rival with a positive $1,991. The remaining tipsters were in the negative. Hawthorn was the winners of the first quarter in the Wins category.

McCulloch said that he was happy to be crowned champion.

“Winning the competition is just wonderful. I have been tipping good last season and I hope that I can bring that form into this season as I want to defend both of my titles,” McCulloch told

The Complete Racing Guide.

Managing director for Capital Betting and Wagering Limited, Egerton Chang, said that he was pleased with how the competition has grown over the years.

“This competition is going on for a while now and I am pleased with the progress. It is getting better and better over the years, but it is not only Capital and Wagering Limited, but Capital and Wagering Limited/

Jamaica Observer Tipsters’ Competition, and I think that this competition is the best tipsters’ competition here in Jamaica, as we are doing far better than any other tipsters’ competition,” he said.

“Congratulations to Slip Saddle on being the overall champion. He has won the second, third and fourth-quarter incentives. I hope he continues in the same way,” Chang concluded.