Top 10 list

[Downthestretch55]

I'm probably going to get slammed for this, but I'll say it anyway.
I agree with Steve about the take-out.
I also agree with Cannon about what he said in his starting post.

So, here's what I suggest (and realize that I think "outside the box").

Instead of bringing people to the track with incentives, give away days, or to an OTB (right, what a nice environment!), New York racing should televise the races at the meet on their own channel (for home use, work a cable deal), and allow internet gambling to their web site. This will generate interest, increase handle, and make participation much more convenient.
Heck, they could even provide live racing via broadband from their web site and maintain bettor accounts online. This will also flag "problem gamblers".
Sure, people will still go to the tracks for the video games and the slots. That's not bad at all, as IMHO it increases purses.
The key is to increase interest, participation, and convenience. By making the horse racing experience more accessible, I think it might be a positive approach.