The link to the full drf.com article is now working:
http://www.drf.com/news/article/86758.html
Here are some details from the article:
"Laurel is actually cutting the takeout rate to 10 percent, but because of legislatively mandated contributions to a fund for the Maryland Million, a series of stakes for horses sired by stallions that stand in the state, the exact takeout rates for Laurel's three categories of pools will be 11 percent for win, place, and show wagers; 12 percent for exactas and daily doubles; and 10.75 percent for trifectas, superfectas, pick three, pick four, and pick six bets."
Gee, I can try to beat the 25% takeout on the tri at Saratoga, the 20% takeout on the tri at Del Mar, or the 10.75% takeout on the tri at Laurel.
Let's see how smart horseplayers really are. I know takeout isn't the only relevant variable, but other factors have to be huge to offset the difference between a 25% takeout and a 10.75% takeout.
Here's an important quote from the article:
""We're so far down the pecking order at that time [with Del Mar and Saratoga running] that I want to do something to bump us up," Raffetto said. "Everyone in the industry always says this is the right thing to do, everyone always walks the walks, and now we're going to try it.""
This is another experiment (like the Ellis Park Pick-4) that could help shape the future of betting. Raffetto goes on to say they will need a 10% increase in on-track handle and a 30% increase in out-of-state handle to break even. I hope they get it.
--Dunbar