Got a bit of a gambling streak within you? Or maybe you just found five bucks and think today's your lucky day? Why not head out to one of Toronto's local Off Track Wagering sites where you can drink a few beers, snack on some wings and bet a sawbuck on a horse or two. Upstairs from the famed Brunswick House is Albert's Parlour, home to a mix of university students and grizzled gamblers who may have actually wagered on Seabiscuit. You can watch races from Woodbine, Mohawk, Hollywood Park in LA or any other major track in North America. If you're interested in trying and are a little thrown off by the terminology, here's a quick explanation:

Win: Simple enough. First place.
Place: Second place.
Show: Third place.
Win, Place and Show or Across the Board: First, second and third covered. Your horse wins, it pays all three.
Exacta: You pick first and second place in order.
Quinella or Exacta box: First and second place, regardless of order.
Trifecta: You pick first, second and third in order.
Superfecta: Top 4 in order. (Save your money)
Thoroughbred Racing: Jockeys on top.
Standardbred Racing: Jockeys ride in carriages.

You can bet as little as two bucks on each ticket and races run from noon 'til about 11:30 at night. Watch one or two to get the hang of it and see if you come close. In addition to Albert's Parlour, there are another half dozen sites around town including the swanky Turf Lounge for business types on Bay Street. Most locations charge a six dollar cover. Good luck!