2014 admission hikes for Belmont, Saratoga: GA $5, Clubhouse $8

[parsixfarms]

With all the pressure that NYRA seems to be under from the state to make racing operations at least a break even proposition, it is looking for "revenue" anywhere it can find it. Unfortunately, seeing how NYRA makes more money from an on-track dollar wagered than an off-track dollar wagered, anything that discourages patrons from wagering on track is counter-productive.

[tanner12oz]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

So are bookmakers and exchange wagering.

I would like prop bets and head to head wagering specifically

[golfer]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

With all the pressure that NYRA seems to be under from the state to make racing operations at least a break even proposition, it is looking for "revenue" anywhere it can find it. Unfortunately, seeing how NYRA makes more money from an on-track dollar wagered than an off-track dollar wagered, anything that discourages patrons from wagering on track is counter-productive.

I agree. While in the long run, paying the extra $2 might end up being negligible,
it definitely creates a negative perception, that of NYRA trying to bilk their already regular customers for more $ without offering anything extra in return. And I agree with the statement that the extra $2 would be spent anyway in some form, be it wagering or food/drink.

Finally, many people don't simply go to Saratoga for one day, they vacation there for a week, or even a month. So that extra admission money does add up.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by helicopter11

I would like to meet the person who goes to a race track just to watch horses run around in circles without betting a simple dime. A racetrack is competing with casinos and not Yankee Stadium. I can go to a casino and bet my first dollar I take out of my wallet on a bet of my choice. At a race track; after parking, admission, programs and a seat where I can actually see the race, I may be down 20 bucks or more before I make my first bet.

So here are my options:
1) Bet online
2) Go to a Casino
3) Go to a race track and pay a premium and enjoy the "great ambiance"

Which one is more appealing to any bettor?

last time i went to arlington, admission was $7. that was probably 6 years ago, so i don't find $5 to be cause for alarm.
they could raise it much, much higher, and i'd still go there before i ever went to a casino.

[South Beach Luv]

Originally Posted by Danzig

last time i went to arlington, admission was $7. that was probably 6 years ago, so i don't find $5 to be cause for alarm.
they could raise it much, much higher, and i'd still go there before i ever went to a casino.

Last year Arlington started charging $2 for kids to get in. Reg admission is $8, more on premium days ($20 on Million Day being the highest)

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by 3kings

Not really. You aren't getting a live sporting event at the casino.

This is the fallacy we often hear. Let's try running races without gambling and see how many people show up.

[3kings]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

This is the fallacy we often hear. Let's try running races without gambling and see how many people show up.

I'm compairing it to other entertainment options. It has live entertainment and it charges a minimal entrance fee for it. Nightclubs with DJ's or bands charge a cover for entertainment while your local bar with no entertainment probably doesn't.

I think they are trying to draw a younger hipper more affluent crowd to the races. They know this not going to happen at Aquduct in the winter but might work at Belmont in the spring or fall. To do this they are trying to price out some of the undesirables, stoopers, unwashed people etc.... I know this is a stereotype but when I try to bring new people to the races this is often the first thing I hear.

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by 3kings

I'm compairing it to other entertainment options. It has live entertainment and it charges a minimal entrance fee for it. Nightclubs with DJ's or bands charge a cover for entertainment while your local bar with no entertainment probably doesn't.

I think they are trying to draw a younger hipper more affluent crowd to the races. They know this not going to happen at Aquduct in the winter but might work at Belmont in the spring or fall. To do this they are trying to price out some of the undesirables, stoopers, unwashed people etc.... I know this is a stereotype but when I try to bring new people to the races this is often the first thing I hear.

I've heard a lot of excuses for raising prices, but there is no way I'm buying that it is to keep out undesirables.

I guess this is where the split is. For some, it is entertainment, for others it is gambling. I love racing, but take away the gambling, and I'd most likely never go again.

[3kings]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

I've heard a lot of excuses for raising prices, but there is no way I'm buying that it is to keep out undesirables.

I guess this is where the split is. For some, it is entertainment, for others it is gambling. I love racing, but take away the gambling, and I'd most likely never go again.

I agree, and probably would never go again if it weren't for the gambling. I guess I just don't mind paying a few dollars for the live product.

[NTamm1215]

NYRA offers a premium product. You raise prices for premium products. Saratoga's Clubhouse admission price was lower than that of every other major racetrack in the country that charges. It was time for an increase.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by helicopter11

I would like to meet the person who goes to a race track just to watch horses run around in circles without betting a simple dime. A racetrack is competing with casinos and not Yankee Stadium. I can go to a casino and bet my first dollar I take out of my wallet on a bet of my choice. At a race track; after parking, admission, programs and a seat where I can actually see the race, I may be down 20 bucks or more before I make my first bet.

So here are my options:
1) Bet online
2) Go to a Casino
3) Go to a race track and pay a premium and enjoy the "great ambiance"

Which one is more appealing to any bettor?

I think you bring up an excellent point. Let's say you and your wife have 200.00 of discretionary income. If you go to Resort World all 200.00 is in play and its likely you grab a discounted buffet a long the way.

At the track 10% of your play allotted cash is raked for the opportunity to wager. Where would you rather play?

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by freddymo

I think you bring up an excellent point. Let's say you and your wife have 200.00 of discretionary income. If you go to Resort World all 200.00 is in play and its likely you grab a discounted buffet a long the way.

At the track 10% of your play allotted cash is raked for the opportunity to wager. Where would you rather play?

the track. or bet online.

i loathe casinos

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

NYRA offers a premium product. You raise prices for premium products. Saratoga's Clubhouse admission price was lower than that of every other major racetrack in the country that charges. It was time for an increase.

It was only time for an increase IF the delta between handle rake and addtional earned admission is positive. Who did the analysis or was it "just time to increase it"?

[cmorioles]

Only in racing do prices go up when business is down.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

Only in racing do prices go up when business is down.

Business is not down in NY for the year. Handle is up. Handle was down at Saratoga by a fractional margin.

I understand you're completely against the price increase. However, if you grant that a price has to be charged, the new price is quite fair based on the market.

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Business is not down in NY for the year. Handle is up. Handle was down at Saratoga by a fractional margin.

I understand you're completely against the price increase. However, if you grant that a price has to be charged, the new price is quite fair based on the market.

Business is down as far as attendance goes, and that is what this price increase impacts. I guess we'll see how people respond. I think on track attendance and handle will decline. The customers will determine if the price is fair. On track handle is better than off track handle for NYRA.

Customers don't care about political maneuvering between the state and NYRA. All they know is they are going to be asked to pay more while slots money is rolling in. Think about that.

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

Business is down as far as attendance goes, and that is what this price increase impacts. I guess we'll see how people respond. I think on track attendance and handle will decline. The customers will determine if the price is fair. On track handle is better than off track handle for NYRA.

Customers don't care about political maneuvering between the state and NYRA. All they know is they are going to be asked to pay more while slots money is rolling in. Think about that.

But why is attendance down?
Is it a matter of the economy and people just not having extra money to spend/gamble?

Is it a matter of the sports older clientele dying off and arent being replaced by younger fans?

Is it that people are just fed up trying to beat a game that's borderline impossible?

It's a shame that the people that will be punished the most are the track rats that are there day in and day out. If they could somehow come up with some special promotion for these people (such as a free monthly grandstand pass that you sign up for once a month {they do it at Monmouth}), then I really think that the effect from the increase will be minimal at best.

I just can't see the person/family who enjoys a day at the track, that goes once/a couple of times a month balking about a couple of dollar increase. Especially with these people living in an area where the cost of living is already high and everything (tolls, buses, trains etc) seem to go up on a quartly basis. I understand the sports/gambling argument, but compared to the ridiculous amount of sports tickets around here (mostly Yankees & anything at MSG), the track prices seem like a relative bargin.

As long as this is a one time increase for the considerable future, I don't see it be that big a deal.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by pointman

If people are complaining about raising the price of admission into one of the most beautiful sporting venues in the Country by two bucks, I will go out on a limb and say the loss of their wagering dollars is insignificant.

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

NYRA offers a premium product. You raise prices for premium products.

Well said, gentlemen.

[Payson Dave]

The spinners on give-away days at the Spa are going to be bummed...they don't contribute much to the handle but they sure enhance the attendance figs.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

Only in racing do prices go up when business is down.

Outside of professional sports perhaps