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Originally Posted by Kasept
They aren't luring spectators with clever marketing.
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Actually, Steve, they do. The Dubai Racing Club gives away money to the public through handicapping contests. Each night of racing, a certain amount of money is given away to those who pick the most winners in pick six or pick seven competitions, and also through several twin tricasts - where participants must select the winning trifecta in two consecutive races.
On Dubai World Cup night, the pick seven was not hit, but quite a few Pakistanis had 5 of 7 and took home a decent prize of several thousand dollars each. 4 of 7 paid as well. It is not against the law to offer a prize in this sense as long as the player is not staking anything. Entry forms are at the entrance points to the course, for which admission is also free (includes Dubai World Cup night too) - there is always a free public enclosure on course.
Overall, it increases interest and attendance in the sport considering that handicapping acumen can win you money...for nothing, essentially. Not a bad marketing tool to get people to care.
All that being said, I agree that there is no way interests from Dubai or similar would ever purchase an American track with pari-mutuel wagering.