Horse Racing, Bingo, Lottery - Some Thoughts

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So earlier today I felt compelled to go up to our service counter and ask how much we had taken in on the lottery, strictly Mega Millions (up to $216 million) which will be drawn tonight. From the opening of the lottery, which occurs around 8am (not sure the exact time) till 3:30pm, our store had taken in just shy of $2,000 in Mega Millions tickets. Oddly enough, that number per the Front End Manager was down.

Yesterday, I passed 2 Bingo Halls. Both parking lots were full and people were parking in the streets, and we are talking about 12:30pm on a Monday. I have yet to drive by either of these two local Bingo Halls and not see their parking lots full, even in severe weather situations. They operate on Monday, Weds and Saturday at noon and 7pm.

So, just now I started to think. Why is it that these folks are willing to gamble blind on the bingo and the lottery, especially the lottery, when they hold no stake in the outcome. In other words, no thinking goes in to the lottery. No thinking goes into bingo. Its how the numbers roll. But yet, they will not be found at Beulah Park where they could learn the ropes, how to cap and stand a legit chance every time they rolled in to at least break even but maybe even turn a profit?

I think Horse Racing should advertise their product like this.

Grab your date and take her to the track. When is the last time you went out on a date and had more money then when you picked your date up?

What is really wrong with advertising the gambling aspect of a day at the races? After all, we are surrounded (at least in Ohio) by lottery advertising every way you turn and look. I think this would work over time as long as they make the venue; i.e. the track experience, one that folks will want to be a part of and not get turned away by the "regulars". You know, the bums etc..