I'm not a marketing expert, but just throwing out terrible ideas doesn't strike me as progress. Just like poker, you have to sell the idea that regular people can make money playing the game. Sell the idea that it's way more exciting, involved and gratifying than mindless zombies pulling a slot lever over and over again. Unfortunately with slots becoming such a big part of the industry, it might not make sense to bash them in ad campaigns, but playing the horses is a unique game with something for everybody: the majesty of incredible animals running at high speeds, being able to spend the day outdoors, an intellectual challenge, plenty of juice during the actual race and big paydays if you play things correctly.
Poker had the luxury of being on TV and having the announcers/coverage actually be focused on the game and the gambling. Unfortunately, all of our national TV coverage is based on weepy-eyed BS, human interest stories and celebrity spotting. Until the coverage is more horseplayer-based, the industry is going to be fighting an uphill battle to attract new gamblers.
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