Perhaps Empires raise of the takeout is a realistic approach to the finances of the racing/casino scenario? They might be the only ones to admit it up front.
Is there any promise, in writing, in the other plans from Excelsior and NYRA, that raising the TO wont be the case down the road?
I think Empire wants a fair shake as all do. When the original evaluation, from the Pataki group, came out Empire was rated behind Excelsior. I think Spitzer heard enough, I know I wrote to him and to the Saratogian newspaper about the rating of Excelsior and the credit they were be given for the Chicago horse racing management team that runs the harness tracks, actually instead of runs the harness tracks it should be "ruins" the harness tracks.
I am sure you are all aware that the same "racing experienced management team" that Excelsior claims to have, namely the Johnstons from the Chicago harness tracks, also surcharge the winning wagers on track at an additional 1%. In addition, if you wager intertrack from say Maywood Park on a race at Balmoral you are surcharged at 1.5% of your winnings. You sure you want these people in charge in NY?
There is alot to look at at all of the groups, just make sure all of the cards are on the table before awarding something that someone may regret they will be stuck with for a long time!!
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