Meet the Contest Team
BetAmerica launched daily Handicapping Contests in late 2015. Daily tournament administration is carried out by Merv Huber-Calvo and Amanda Firkins. Both Merv & Amanda have been part of the BetAmerica team for years and have a wealth of racing knowledge and contest know-how.
We love hearing feedback about contests - both what you like, and what you think we need to improve. Hearing from you is what helps us make handicapping contests on BetAmerica even better. If you ever have any questions about contests or need help getting started, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Merv Huber-Calvo has been a horseplayer from an early age. He started playing in online handicapping contests at a young age, besting 15,000 handicappers to win the Road to the Roses Fantasy Challenge in 2000 - but was promptly disqualified for being 13 years old and well under the legal age to play. Undeterred, he went on to work at Churchill Downs for seven years and administer Road to the Roses for many of those years. Additionally, he was the racetrack tournament director and hosted on site qualifying tournaments for the National Handicapping Championship, Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge and Horse Player World Series, as well as assisting with the administration of the BCBC in 2010 and 2011 when held at Churchill Downs. Merv started with the BetAmerica team in early 2014, spending a year as the VIP Manager before transitioning to the role of Tournament Director. He enjoys playing the races at every opportunity and can be found at the racetrack as often as possible. You can reach Merv directly at merv@bamsas.com.
Amanda Firkins resides in Fargo, ND and in the summer enjoys riding her jet ski and spending time on the lake with family.
Amanda has been a part of the BetAmerica team since July of 2011. Amanda spent nearly 4 years in Player Services and in January of 2016 transitioned to the role of Fantasy Coordinator.
Amanda’s first at the track experience was in 2012 and she won a trip to Breeders Cup at Santa Anita. Since then Amanda has been to a couple other tracks, including Sanford Orlando Kennel Club and of course Minnesota’s own Canterbury Park.
You can reach Amanda directly at amanda@bamsas.com.