NY

[pmacdaddy]

I'm certainly not an Authority, but sure seems like the structure of simulcast revenues is the real elephant in the room. To me, the tracks get stuck with all the heavy lifting (facilities maintenance, production of racing product) and off track outlets get big cut of handle for doing very little.

I don't understand why NYRA has not taken a seriously aggressive approach to internet wagering. I was disturbed to see them advertising Internet wagering on the starting gate with a PHONE NUMBER and no web address. Are they that clueless?

I would give the Slots crowd what they want, take our share and leave them be. They are generally not horse players. IMO a Sportsbook Atmosphere for horse players with video poker and a few slots are about as good as you are going to get as far as integrating the two.

I really love NY racing and hope things improve...

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by pmacdaddy

I'm certainly not an Authority, but sure seems like the structure of simulcast revenues is the real elephant in the room. To me, the tracks get stuck with all the heavy lifting (facilities maintenance, production of racing product) and off track outlets get big cut of handle for doing very little.

I don't understand why NYRA has not taken a seriously aggressive approach to internet wagering. I was disturbed to see them advertising Internet wagering on the starting gate with a PHONE NUMBER and no web address. Are they that clueless?

I would give the Slots crowd what they want, take our share and leave them be. They are generally not horse players. IMO a Sportsbook Atmosphere for horse players with video poker and a few slots are about as good as you are going to get as far as integrating the two.

I really love NY racing and hope things improve...

ha, ha! I pointed that out the other day.

[pointman]

I think Aqueduct gets a bad rap as well, it is not that bad, especially in the dining room. Wynn's ideas are ridiculous and are all suited to the casino portion, not racing. Clearly he wants a parking garage at Belmont to build on the existing parking lots, not because it is a long walk. Heck, the parking lot is empty most days anyway. I have no problem with parking at Belmont, usually I park on the opposite side of Hempstead Turnpike and get in and out very quickly. To me OTB has had a huge hand in creating small crowds, why go to the track when you can go locally to bet? Getting on-track attendance is not the most important issue, it is attracting more people to the game. I can't understand why NYRA or OTB has not had internet wagering, and if it has been added, than their advertising sucks. Also, Belmont is accesible from Manhattan by the LIRR, so one does not need to have a car. Shopping facilities have and will work anywhere in the Queens area, in fact, the big problem would be the traffic on the Belt parkway as JFK already makes that area bad enough.