Lets face it, the problem here is Pgrdn very mistakenly trying to draw a comparison to the needs of racing with needs of football or other sports. Those sports get more than half their revenue from the tv contracts, they need fans to watch or else the ratings are smaller and so is tv money.
Racing just doesnt work that way. Racing depends on money bet on the races. What the hell good is it if we had 100 million new "fans" for that matter who didn't bet? Bottom line is that the days of most tracks beinga destination to go to are over. Home wagering is the future of the industry and the salvation of it as well. Why is football so popular with people to bet through off shore accounts or with the corner bookie? Simple!!! You call in or type in the bet. Order a pizza and grab soda or beer from the fridge and sit in your chair or on your couch and watch football all day long.
Racing needs to be in the living rooms of as many homes as it can be with acessible and easy home wagering companies that are user friendly. Yes going to Saratoga is special, and attending big race days is as well. But does anyone truly want to to go the track on a Wednesday or Thursday if given teh alternative to bet from the comfort of home while eating or drinking whatever you want at low costs as opposed to the 6 dollar beers and hot dogs at the track? No way.