NYRA Late Pick 5

[ScottJ]

Originally Posted by Alabama Stakes

7-8 million a day during weather closing ? Where did you dream those figures up?

I used the rough all sources daily handle figures for a Friday/Saturday/Sunday on NYRA in the January months. Steve Byk's post regarding programmed betting is well taken and could be even more significant than my initial analysis.

Originally Posted by Alabama Stakes

Any opinion on NYRA raising Saratoga admission 40% ?

So, we have gone from $5 to $7 gate admission to the general grandstand. Last season, I travelled to attend three weekends (six programs) so this change will cost me $24 (along with spouse). If the additional gate take is used responsibly for maintaining the plant and its functions, I am all in favor.

There has been a ton of non-horse racing research done regarding "free programs" versus "paid admission" in a variety of industries including museums, state parks and gardens, not-for-profit operations, and similar. Interestingly, the research has pointed to more people attending when an admission fee is charged as there is perceived value by the customer as opposed to attending for free. I realize that this is counter-intuitive, but if you are attracting younger twenty-somethings to the races, this strategy might indeed make sense as it creates a value proposition around attending the races. Racetrackers may see it as extra wagering dollars out-of-pocket, but this might actually be ENCOURAGING more younger folks to attend.