Improving the product

[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. . .

[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. . .

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

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I've been debating who will be up for DT Troll of the Year for 2008, and I would suggest it's a two man race at this juncture in the calendar year.

There hasn't been nearly as much quality trolling as I would like to have seen this year...

However, the race for '08 DT Tard of the Year has been quite the epic battle so far. Many fantastic tards to choose from and they haven't failed to bring the goods all year long.

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I love Chuck E. Cheese

That place is awesome for about 2 minutes. Then out comes the aspirin.

[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.

[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.

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by whodey17

This is what I would do increase the take-out.

1) Change the negative image of racing
2) Make the time between races 10 minutes
3) I think racing should be a single owned entity (this will never happen).
4) There needs to be national laws governing racing--not at the state level.
5) Make the racetrack "the place to be" with agreassive marketing.

This is just a start.

Just for fun, you should see if you can come up with a suggestion that is MORE vague than this one.

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by miraja2

Just for fun, you should see if you can come up with a suggestion that is MORE vague than this one.

Explain how it is vague. What is vague about it? There is a negative image out there--go and change it. Simple.

[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

[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.

[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?

[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.

[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. . .

[ELA]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

Since I've done my share of bitching about the industry, here are a few things I think could help INCREASE handle and the shrinking pie everyone is fighting over.
(no particular order)

1) Modernize the information. No more about distances, no more stupid run ups, precision timing, no more "eyeballed" charts.

2) Lower takeout. Nothing new to say here.

3) Free admission and basic PP information available online, along with replays and live video.

4) Close racetracks, and I mean a good number of them, at all levels of racing. We need more competitive races with bigger fields.

5) Open all tracks to all licensed Account Wagering companies at the same price.

6) Change existing tax laws. The industry has done little to change laws that hurt them and the player. There is a new organization at NTRA that I did sign up for (once again the players are asked to foot the bill)

7) Open our pools to international bettors. Europeans love the vast amount of information we provide compared to other countries.

8) Rules reform regarding DQs...way too many people are baffled by some of the happenings.

Again, just a few that could help make the pie bigger.

I too think all of your ideas are good, for the most part. However, I think they are all part of a much more strategic plan for the sport and the industry. One of the biggest issues is the "alternatives" people have today, both internal to the sport/industry and external. Closing racetracks however will have major ancillary effects -- on breeders, owners, tracks, handle, etc. That is not the answer in my opinion. Racetracks will close, but it will be a function of market mass, economics, and the overall marketplace.

The industry must reinvent itself while very much keeping their eye of the ball and the end game, and that is remember what our product and business is. Economics alone dictate that alternative revenue sources are a major part of the (economic) answer. If handled properly, VLT's can be part, only part of that solution. In and of itself, it will cause regress, not progress. I think you will see short term progress, but long term regress and ultimately, possible destruction. I think I know what Woodbine will look like in the future, but I don't the the future is bright at Finger Lakes.

Alternative revenue sources, changes in legislation, simulcasting, internet wagering, and so on -- they are all part of the much larger, global landscape solution.

Eric

[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.