Improving the product

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by whodey17

No have 9 or 10 races. You are thinking like a gambler. Think more like a casual fan. With the decrease amount of time it takes to run the races the race track would save 1000's in operating costs.

Damn right I'm thinking like a gambler.

And frankly, it would be a terrible idea that would likely bring in an insignificant amount of 'casual fans' while turning off a large segment of the industry's existing bread and butter. Trade gamblers for casual fans -- it doesn't make sense.

[slotdirt]

Honest question: how many "casual fans" who hit the track don't then gamble? I'd suggest somewhere between zero and zero.

The logistics of of trying to space races only ten minutes apart would be a complete nightmare.

How about all major tracks having free wireless internet?

[hockey2315]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

How about all major tracks having free wireless internet?

I like that idea but not sure it would ever happen. . . I can't even find a plug for my laptop at the OTB. . .

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

How about all major tracks having free wireless internet?

Now this is a good idea. And with wireless you do not need to stand in line to wager.

Now you just need to find a way to keep people like DaHoss and Drugs from stealing your computer and selling it so they can get money for another $2 wager.

[Bigsmc]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

How about all major tracks having free wireless internet?

I know it is not a major track, but Tampa has free wireless internet.

I played an online handicapping contest from my seat one Saturday.

[pmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

I know it is not a major track, but Tampa has free wireless internet.I played an online handicapping contest from my seat one Saturday.

And tasty Cuban sandwiches, and reasonably priced 16oz bottles of beer...

[the_fat_man]

I don't know, some of these changes sound fine but I could certainly NOT live with FREE admission and parking.

I mean, I was raised PAYING to enter the track and to park my car. This is the AMERICAN THOROUGHBRED way; and I live the life.

So, for example, whenever I go to the casino (wherever that might be), I ALWAYS INSIST on paying an ADMISSION fee. And paying for all my food and drinks, cause I was raised in the AMERICAN THOROUGHBRED tradition.

And, when I head over to a BORDELLO (local or otherwise) I INSIST on paying an ENTRANCE FEE and for my DRINKS, in addition to whatever it costs for the sex. Once again, it's the AMERICAN THOROUGHBRED WAY.

Tell you this much, I'll never go to another racetrack that charges admission and parking fees. And I'll never pay for basic data (in its presently FLAWED state) or replays. And, sooner or later, tracks will get their **** together. If they don't, by that time, HKG will be taking my bets.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

How about all major tracks having free wireless internet?

Not to get into how/where you or I actually bet, but what's the benefit to having free wireless internet?

Eric

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by ELA

Not to get into how/where you or I actually bet, but what's the benefit to having free wireless internet?

Eric

use laptops with downloaded info instead of the Byk method which has killed half the rain forests of the world

[golfer]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

use laptops with downloaded info instead of the Byk method which has killed half the rain forests of the world

Not to mention drained all the ink cows, or wherever ink comes from.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

use laptops with downloaded info instead of the Byk method which has killed half the rain forests of the world

This is a rainforest issue? LOL. Just kidding. Sure, I can see that. But will the majority of the people -- the mass market that exists, and the market the racetracks will need to appeal to in the future -- bring laptops to the track? Will some? OK.

Are there potential problems here Chuck?

Eric

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by ELA

This is a rainforest issue? LOL. Just kidding. Sure, I can see that. But will the majority of the people -- the mass market that exists, and the market the racetracks will need to appeal to in the future -- bring laptops to the track? Will some? OK.

Are there potential problems here Chuck?

Eric

Only if they dont want guys downloading porn on their dime

[hockey2315]

10 minutes between races is one of the stupider things I've heard today. . . Ok so let's save a few $s on operating costs and lose 100 times that on handle. . . Brilliant. . .

...not to mention the cookie cutter rebuttal to not having general admission and paid parking.

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

10 minutes between races is one of the stupider things I've heard today. . . Ok so let's save a few $s on operating costs and lose 100 times that on handle. . . Brilliant. . .

Why..make your case. And how would handle be hurt? Please explain yourself. Don't post a thought without some examples of why. I dont see why it would hurt handle. Races go off 2 minutes from each other all the time and people manage to wager on both races. Why would having 10 minutes between races hurt handle? Thistle and River have about 7 or 8 minutes between races (if I remember correctly) and they seem to do just fine. This is when both meets are running at the same time.

[TheSpyder]

Need to have a big players room right on the finish line. I'm sure they can keep track of those that bet a great deal of money. If you take everyone at the track how many wager $200+ a day.

Just like Casinos, offer them rewards in a comp area where it's like a sports book, give them free drinks and food. Cater to your players.

I like the Wifi idea as well.

10 min posts are CRAZY. Easily the worst idea.

Chuck E Cheese Handicap for 2YO's

One last thing...sponsers sponsers sponsers!

Spyder

[GBBob]

Outside of the names related to ownership ( Harrahs, etc) how come race tracks aren't able to or never pursued corporate naming rights? I know it's blasphemy for CD to be anything else than CD, but desperate times call for desperate measures and it has to be worth a few million a year to get AllState Park at Arlington, or Hershey Presque Isle Downs. If YUM Brands can plaster their name on the most recognized brand in racing, why not tracks?

[hockey2315]

Originally Posted by whodey17

Why..make your case. And how would handle be hurt? Please explain yourself. Don't post a thought without some examples of why. I dont see why it would hurt handle. Races go off 2 minutes from each other all the time and people manage to wager on both races. Why would having 10 minutes between races hurt handle? Thistle and River have about 7 or 8 minutes between races (if I remember correctly) and they seem to do just fine. This is when both meets are running at the same time.

I don't think it's really up for debate that 25 minutes of taking bets will yield more handle than ten. . .

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

Damn right I'm thinking like a gambler.

And frankly, it would be a terrible idea that would likely bring in an insignificant amount of 'casual fans' while turning off a large segment of the industry's existing bread and butter. Trade gamblers for casual fans -- it doesn't make sense.

A gambler will gamble. I remember people saying that people would not bet on a synthetic surface, however most meet for those synthetic tracks are up. Good thing about trying new things is that if it doesnt work you can always go back.