Quote:
Originally Posted by joeydb
Oh - and some articles online are still saying racing is "subsidized" - what a joke. Racing is the reason any casino gambling was permitted as you well know.
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Racing just has to come to grips with the fact that the entitlements that have been received through government regulation (casino revenue) can and will indeed change. Bolstering purses is great to compete for thoroughbreds during racing seasons, but if you are not increasing your own handle (on/off track), what does it matter?
NYRA is far out in front of everyone on this front crushing both the Stronach and Twin Spires groups. Combining their NYRABets wagering platform with a national video outlet (FS/2, MSG+) for all of their races, they have created a platform where they benefit from on-track at Saratoga, mitigate attendance issues on slow days at Belmont and Aqueduct, and generate their own handle year round. The on-track and in-home experiences, where appropriate, are improved immeasurably.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania has Parx, Penn National, Presque Isle, Harrah's Chester, Pocono Downs, and the Meadows. Rebuilding the breeding system has been important and the harness racing breeding is equally important. However, what has been done to bolster the customer experience?