Texas tracks ordered to shut down

[BuddyOscar]

http://abc13.com/news/texas-racing-commission-orders-sam-houston-race-park-to-close-its-doors/964637/

[summersquall]

The place was nearly deserted today. Such a shame, and a serious loss for all of the well meant efforts that have been put forth over the past couple of decades on the part of the owners to acclimate their business model to the dwindling fan base in this city of three million people. I remember when the North annex was a very busy place used exclusively for simulcasting when the track first opened. I guess this is one of the inevitable results when a particular mindset wields the gavel in Austin. A sad day for all involved in Texas horseracing.

[cutchemist42]

Thats a shame, Ive loved the Sam Houston track for two years now.

[LottaKash]

Yikes !...I mean Texas and horses are almost synonymous, and now they shut the Horse-Tracks down....Go figure ... :confused:

Who in the heck is in charge of anything, anymore...???...

[PaceAdvantage]

What is the point of these "historical racing" betting terminals?

The sad part is, people will throw money at these things.

[Maxximus]

What is the point of these "historical racing" betting terminals?

The sad part is, people will throw money at these things.


The Texas Racing Commission shot themselves int he foot by even introducing these stupid machines. They enforce the NO ADW rule and now they insist on these terminals to SAVE texas horse racing. They could have put an amendment to the Texas Racing Act where it says no online gambling but NO they didn't. They instead take Twinspires to court to shut any out of state ADW company to do business within the state. Now they ruined it for bettors, horsemen, employees of the industry, and the horses. Great job TRC!

[Dave Schwartz]

PA,

The point is that they want to draw the fans away from horse racing and towards a completely chance-oriented system.

Eventually, the idea is that they keep the gambling but have no need for purses and other track expenses.

[biggestal99]

What is the point of these "historical racing" betting terminals?

The sad part is, people will throw money at these things.

slot machines bring the bucks to the purse account.

Example: Kentucky downs purses

Allan

[chadk66]

I always thought a Racing Commission was supposed to regulate and "promote" the racing industry.

[forced89]

Remember that out of state casinos own all or controlling interest in the 3 Texas tracks. Could it be that they are pushing Historical Racing Terminals as a foot in the door for slots the way Oaklawn did it.

Note I live in Texas but race at Remington and Oaklawn. Why? It's the purses stupid!!

[RXB]

What is the point of these "historical racing" betting terminals?

The sad part is, people will throw money at these things.

Yep, and that's why the purses at Oaklawn have doubled in recent years. And that's why the Texas tracks want them.

Texas is literally surrounded by horse racing states where other gaming sources supply a large portion of the purse money. That's a big reason why racing in Texas is dying.

[EMD4ME]

I find it absolutely stupifying that Texas does not allow ADW's.

I can understand politician's being bribed to make sure slots don't go up but what is the motivation behind not allowing ADW's in Texas?

It is the largest state from a circumference perspective, how could they expect people to actually be on site at a track?

[cj]

Yep, and that's why the purses at Oaklawn have doubled in recent years. And that's why the Texas tracks want them.

Texas is literally surrounded by horse racing states where other gaming sources supply a large portion of the purse money. That's a big reason why racing in Texas is dying.


Oaklawn has a lot more than historical racing.

[garyscpa]

What is the point of these "historical racing" betting terminals?

The sad part is, people will throw money at these things.

That is the point of them. See how Oaklawn and the Kentucky tracks have profited by them.

[garyscpa]

I always thought a Racing Commission was supposed to regulate and "promote" the racing industry.


I agree, Chad. Don't know when they got into the promoting business.


Purposes


The purpose of the Texas Racing Act is to:
"provide for the strict regulation of horse racing and greyhound racing and the control of pari-mutuel wagering in connection with that racing. (Act, §1.02 (http://www.txrc.texas.gov/laws/act/act-1.php))Generally, the Texas Racing Commission's responsibilities are:"[to] regulate and supervise every race meeting in this state involving wagering on the result of greyhound or horse racing. All persons and things relating to the operation of those meetings are subject to regulation and supervision by the commission. The commission shall adopt rules for conducting greyhound or horse racing in this state involving wagering and shall adopt other rules to administer this Act that are consistent with this Act." (Act, §3.02 (http://www.txrc.texas.gov/laws/act/act-3.php#3.02))

[Stillriledup]

I find it absolutely stupifying that Texas does not allow ADW's.

I can understand politician's being bribed to make sure slots don't go up but what is the motivation behind not allowing ADW's in Texas?

It is the largest state from a circumference perspective, how could they expect people to actually be on site at a track?

So I guess the amount of brick and mortar facilities offering horse betting is equal to the amount of brick and mortar places within the state offering the state lottery games.

[chadk66]

I agree, Chad. Don't know when they got into the promoting business.


Purposes


The purpose of the Texas Racing Act is to: "provide for the strict regulation of horse racing and greyhound racing and the control of pari-mutuel wagering in connection with that racing. (Act, §1.02 (http://www.txrc.texas.gov/laws/act/act-1.php))Generally, the Texas Racing Commission's responsibilities are:"[to] regulate and supervise every race meeting in this state involving wagering on the result of greyhound or horse racing. All persons and things relating to the operation of those meetings are subject to regulation and supervision by the commission. The commission shall adopt rules for conducting greyhound or horse racing in this state involving wagering and shall adopt other rules to administer this Act that are consistent with this Act." (Act, §3.02 (http://www.txrc.texas.gov/laws/act/act-3.php#3.02))


it's probably a state by state thing. but if your racing commission can't promote your industry who can? the NYRA does it all the time do they not?

[cj]

it's probably a state by state thing. but if your racing commission can't promote your industry who can? the NYRA does it all the time do they not?

NYRA isn't the state racing commission.

[EMD4ME]

So I guess the amount of brick and mortar facilities offering horse betting is equal to the amount of brick and mortar places within the state offering the state lottery games.

yeah, one on every block lol or farm lol

It's a crime to the industry, if you ask me.

[Stillriledup]

yeah, one on every block lol or farm lol

It's a crime to the industry, if you ask me.

If the state can extract 50 cents of every dollar w lottery games (or whatever the obscene take rate is) why would they want to make it easier to play a game where they only get pennies on the dollar? Expanded horse racing would cut into their lottery profits, maybe that's the thought process.

[RXB]

Oaklawn has a lot more than historical racing.

Yes but it all started with the instant racing. Point is, whether it's instant racing or slots or video poker, Oaklawn racing would be a shadow of what it is now if not for gaming. Texas can't compete on purses with Oaklawn, Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, Remington Park, Sunland Park.

[garyscpa]

it's probably a state by state thing. but if your racing commission can't promote your industry who can? the NYRA does it all the time do they not?

It's just not listed in their Powers, which is what I quoted.

I would think it would be up to the industry to promote itself. I don't expect the government to promote my business.

[Robert Goren]

It's just not listed in their Powers, which is what I quoted.

I would think it would be up to the industry to promote itself. I don't expect the government to promote my business.Amen to that! The racing industry everywhere does not do near enough marketing. Even when they do advertise, they do not advertise the part that draws customers, the gambling. They act like they are ashamed of their product. Casinos have no problem promoting the gambling end of their business, why should race tracks? I think if they took 2% of the the current purse money and spent it promoting the gambling part of horse racing, they would more than get the money back in increased handle.

[Flysofree]

Many years ago, I was on my first and only trip in Texas...Went to see the Texas Rangers play a baseball game.... Outside two filling stations was a sign that read in huge letters: GAS AND GUNS.

That sums it up for Texas.

[chadk66]

NYRA isn't the state racing commission.technically that's true

[Appy]

What sums it up for Texas was mentioned in an earlier related thread by Robert Goren. Texas is home to a growing number of extreme right wing religious cults whose population and political clout is running rampant and supported by a populous existing Bible belt mentality. It is their intent to eliminate any form of gambling, but do it by first attacking what they perceive to be the weakest link.

Rather than confront that truth observers are finding some other factor to blame for the erosion of their "equal rights". The same business model is to be seen in other states as well, Kansas being a prime example.

[AndyC]

What sums it up for Texas was mentioned in an earlier related thread by Robert Goren. Texas is home to a growing number of extreme right wing religious cults whose population and political clout is running rampant and supported by a populous existing Bible belt mentality. It is their intent to eliminate any form of gambling, but do it by first attacking what they perceive to be the weakest link.

Rather than confront that truth observers are finding some other factor to blame for the erosion of their "equal rights". The same business model is to be seen in other states as well, Kansas being a prime example.

Who are these right wing religious cults?

I guess you could say that people have a "right" to gamble. Do people who don't gamble then have an obligation to support people who have thrown away their money gambling? I say this from a libertarian perspective believing that one should be able to do what they please if it doesn't interfere with someone else. I have seen firsthand several families destroyed by gambling, it isn't pretty. People who stand up to the proliferation of gambling may be doing everyone a favor.

[garyscpa]

Who are these right wing religious cults?

I guess you could say that people have a "right" to gamble. Do people who don't gamble then have an obligation to support people who have thrown away their money gambling? I say this from a libertarian perspective believing that one should be able to do what they please if it doesn't interfere with someone else. I have seen firsthand several families destroyed by gambling, it isn't pretty. People who stand up to the proliferation of gambling may be doing everyone a favor.

Now you are taking this thread way off topic. What you say could apply to anywhere.

[castaway01]

Who are these right wing religious cults?

I guess you could say that people have a "right" to gamble. Do people who don't gamble then have an obligation to support people who have thrown away their money gambling? I say this from a libertarian perspective believing that one should be able to do what they please if it doesn't interfere with someone else. I have seen firsthand several families destroyed by gambling, it isn't pretty. People who stand up to the proliferation of gambling may be doing everyone a favor.

You claim to be a libertarian, but you think it's okay if people stop others from gambling because they don't approve of it?

You might want to look up what a "libertarian" is because you ain't one.

(Sorry to get political but these are inherently political topics.)

[Stillriledup]

Who are these right wing religious cults?

I guess you could say that people have a "right" to gamble. Do people who don't gamble then have an obligation to support people who have thrown away their money gambling? I say this from a libertarian perspective believing that one should be able to do what they please if it doesn't interfere with someone else. I have seen firsthand several families destroyed by gambling, it isn't pretty. People who stand up to the proliferation of gambling may be doing everyone a favor.

But if you believe people should be able to do what they please if it doesn't interfere how are you ok with government and special interest groups interfering with someone's desire to gamble?

[whodoyoulike]

PA,

The point is that they want to draw the fans away from horse racing and towards a completely chance-oriented system.

Eventually, the idea is that they keep the gambling but have no need for purses and other track expenses.

Is there still a take out on each race?

Btw, I agree with your conclusion. It seems they are just slot machines.

[foregoforever]

Instant Racing is not parimutuel wagering, despite all sneaky attempts to make it look like it. It's basically a dressed-up slots machine, and legislatures have every right to control their use in their states.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Kentucky is the only state in which Instant Racing was approved by a racing commission. Commissions tried to do it in some other states, but they were consistently shot down by the courts, on the basis that only legislatures could do so. In a number of states, the legislatures subsequently did legalize them.

Regardless of your opinion on the issue, the Texas commission tried to pull a fast one when they should have known better.

[garyscpa]

Instant Racing is not parimutuel wagering, despite all sneaky attempts to make it look like it. It's basically a dressed-up slots machine, and legislatures have every right to control their use in their states.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Kentucky is the only state in which Instant Racing was approved by a racing commission. Commissions tried to do it in some other states, but they were consistently shot down by the courts, on the basis that only legislatures could do so. In a number of states, the legislatures subsequently did legalize them.

Regardless of your opinion on the issue, the Texas commission tried to pull a fast one when they should have known better.

Exactly, and they're the same clowns who think we shouldn't be able to bet online without their supervision.

[duncan04]

Instant Racing is not parimutuel wagering, despite all sneaky attempts to make it look like it. It's basically a dressed-up slots machine, and legislatures have every right to control their use in their states.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Kentucky is the only state in which Instant Racing was approved by a racing commission. Commissions tried to do it in some other states, but they were consistently shot down by the courts, on the basis that only legislatures could do so. In a number of states, the legislatures subsequently did legalize them.

Regardless of your opinion on the issue, the Texas commission tried to pull a fast one when they should have known better.

Only two tracks have Instant racing machines in KY right now. Ellis Park and KY Downs. The issue is still tied up in courts by the "Family Foundation." If it ever gets settled then all the tracks will install them.

[Track Phantom]

Exactly, and they're the same clowns who think we shouldn't be able to bet online without their supervision.

Is it accurate to say the TRC is the reason there is no longer ADW in Texas? If so, hope they're out of business soon. The fact that they are trying to force people to the track when the rest of the US recognizes this is no longer 1989 makes me want them to fail.

[cj]

Agreement reached:

https://twitter.com/PostParade/status/638880019297599488

[garyscpa]

Is it accurate to say the TRC is the reason there is no longer ADW in Texas? If so, hope they're out of business soon. The fact that they are trying to force people to the track when the rest of the US recognizes this is no longer 1989 makes me want them to fail.

Yes, I believe so. Look up Twinspires v Texas Racing Commission.

[garyscpa]

Agreement reached:

https://twitter.com/PostParade/status/638880019297599488

I think the governor still has to sign off. Don't know how long that will take.

[foregoforever]

Yes, I believe so. Look up Twinspires v Texas Racing Commission.

Not sure if I'd blame the RC for this. They were enforcing the state law prohibiting online and phone wagering. They basically told CDI to either give them the figures on how much they were handling from state residents, or quit taking bets from Texans, or go to court. CDI took the latter course.

I'm sure the real reason is that someone figured out that a lot of dollars were going to out-of-state tracks and ADWs without the state, and the Texas horsemen, getting a cut. Similar crap went on in Virginia.

[garyscpa]

Not sure if I'd blame the RC for this. They were enforcing the state law prohibiting online and phone wagering. They basically told CDI to either give them the figures on how much they were handling from state residents, or quit taking bets from Texans, or go to court. CDI took the latter course.

I'm sure the real reason is that someone figured out that a lot of dollars were going to out-of-state tracks and ADWs without the state, and the Texas horsemen, getting a cut. Similar crap went on in Virginia.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2013/04/29/57138.htm

" Though Texans had wagered on out-of-state races online or over the telephone since the 1990s, the state Racing Commission allegedly opted in 2011 to renew a 25-year-old in person betting requirement.
Kentucky-based Churchill Downs and Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company dba Twinspires.com had claimed (http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/09/24/50563.htm)that the commission did so to increase revenue since the rules impose a heavy tax on out-of-state tracks."

[AndyC]

You claim to be a libertarian, but you think it's okay if people stop others from gambling because they don't approve of it?

You might want to look up what a "libertarian" is because you ain't one.

(Sorry to get political but these are inherently political topics.)

A strict libertarian, no. But as I stated I tend to view issues from a libertarian perspective.

People stop others from doing a lot of things. Gambling is not done in a vacuum. There are many societal problems that pervasive gambling brings.

To make a statement that you have to be some kind of right-wing nut job to oppose gambling is ludicrous.

[AndyC]

Now you are taking this thread way off topic. What you say could apply to anywhere.

Yes I did. But I don't like to see statements such as the one I responded to go unchallenged.

[EMD4ME]

Agreement reached:

https://twitter.com/PostParade/status/638880019297599488

Thank god. Hate seeing all the meets reduced already this year. I hope a long term solution and some slot revenue eventually works it's way in. I like Sam Houston a lot, one of my favorite tracks.

[AndyC]

But if you believe people should be able to do what they please if it doesn't interfere how are you ok with government and special interest groups interfering with someone's desire to gamble?

I am more interested in a person's right to suck on the government teet when they gamble themselves into poverty. There should be some kind of waiver form that gamblers could sign.

[baconswitchfarm]

Only two tracks have Instant racing machines in KY right now. Ellis Park and KY Downs. The issue is still tied up in courts by the "Family Foundation." If it ever gets settled then all the tracks will install them.



The Red Mile / Keeneland machines open next week. They spent 30 million on the facility so I think they are confident that the court battle has exhausted itself.

[davew]

Gulf Greyhound (in La Marque, on I-45 between Houston and Galveston) is planning on having a pause in 2016 for live racing, while continuing simulcasting.

[raybo]

Yes, I believe so. Look up Twinspires v Texas Racing Commission.

The TRC has oversight over all paramutuel wagering within the state, but the law outlawing internet wagering was written in the legislature, and the TRC gained oversight and regulation to enforce it. So, the letters that were sent to the major ADWs were written by the TRC, but the legislature wrote and passed the bill into law.

[garyscpa]

The TRC has oversight over all paramutuel wagering within the state, but the law outlawing internet wagering was written in the legislature, and the TRC gained oversight and regulation to enforce it. So, the letters that were sent to the major ADWs were written by the TRC, but the legislature wrote and passed the bill into law.

I think they probably wrote the bill as well. The legislature just passed it.

[raybo]

I think they probably wrote the bill as well. The legislature just passed it.

My understanding is that bills are all written within the legislature.

[garyscpa]

My understanding is that bills are all written within the legislature.

Technically.

[thespaah]

Agreement reached:

https://twitter.com/PostParade/status/638880019297599488
Story here in blood horse
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/94125/no-stability-with-texas-commission-funding?source=rss

[garyscpa]

It's strange that the governor had not already replaced the three commissioners whose terms expired in February of 2015.

I guess he just didn't have time. :D

[rog9170]

I live in this state and its a joke people can carry weapons with license but they won't allow any kinda adult entertainment like slots Racinos or historical Racing totally stupid Jane Nelson and The lt governor are getting kick backs .

[whodoyoulike]

I'm confused.

Is there a takeout?

From Bloodhorse article above:

"... The TRC became a target last year when it approved rules for the implementation of historical racing machines at Texas racetracks. The electronic kiosk games look like video lottery terminals but are considered pari-mutuel because money is pooled and the outcome of each wager is determined by the result of a previously run horse race. A district judge ruled last November, however, that the commission had no legal standing to promulgate the historical racing rules. That decision has been appealed. ..."

[chadk66]

I live in this state and its a joke people can carry weapons with license but they won't allow any kinda adult entertainment like slots Racinos or historical Racing totally stupid Jane Nelson and The lt governor are getting kick backs .that's an awful strange comparison

[raybo]

I'm confused.

Is there a takeout?

From Bloodhorse article above:

"... The TRC became a target last year when it approved rules for the implementation of historical racing machines at Texas racetracks. The electronic kiosk games look like video lottery terminals but are considered pari-mutuel because money is pooled and the outcome of each wager is determined by the result of a previously run horse race. A district judge ruled last November, however, that the commission had no legal standing to promulgate the historical racing rules. That decision has been appealed. ..."

Yes there is a takeout. This is the way they work at Kentucky Downs:

Historical Horse Racing is performed by use of a self-service totalizer terminal. A patron places a wager by attempting to select the top three finishers of the previously run horse race in any order. Once the selection is made then the terminal sends the information in regards to the wager to a centralized totalizer system. Each Historical Horse Racing totalizer terminal is connected to the centralized server. The selected horse race is shown during the wagering process on each totalizer terminal. The central totalizer system keeps track of all wagers placed in a pari-mutuel pool, calculates the takeout percentage permitted to be deducted, and calculates the payout for winning wagers. The Historical Horse Racing terminal then displays the results of the patron’s wager using entertaining video and/or mechanical displays.

[rog9170]

We have been battling Racino for a long time they don't give time or day on this issue.

[foregoforever]

I'm confused.

Is there a takeout?

Join the club. I've never seen one of the damned things, but this is from a 2010 opinion from the Kentucky Attorney General, who concluded that this is NOT parimutuel racing.

To place a wager, an Instant Racing patron attempts to select the first three finishers of the race in exact order. After deducting the takeout amount, the central totalizator system automatically divides and allocates each wager into various types of pools, in pre-determined percentages, that correspond to each type of “win.” For example, in Thoroughbred Mania, there are betting pools corresponding to the following outcomes, which are considered “wins”:

• three selections in exact order
• top two selections in exact order
• top two selections finishing first, second, or third
• any of the three selections finishing first and second
• any of the three selections finishing first and third
• first selection finishing first
...
If a bettor has achieved a particular type of “win” the bettor receives the money from the corresponding pool. As noted above, the payout amounts vary for different types of “wins” depending upon the difficulty of winning in a particular manner and on the amount of money in the pool for that type of “win” at a particular time. If a bettor loses, the amounts in the various pools continue to accumulate until another bettor, wagering on a different race, wins the particular pool.


I added the emphasis. So as I read this, you are not wagering against others on the results of a given race. There are no tote odds involved. If you hit a win in a given pool, you get however much money had accumulated in that pool since the last person hit that pool, all on completely different races.

Seems like total BS to me. Also, the report notes that after placing their wager, the patron/sucker can elect to either watch the entire race or just the last few seconds of it. Wonder which one most people pick?

Again, this is from a 2010 report, cited in the Wikipedia article on Instant Racing. They may have made some changes to the model in an attempt to bamboozle people.

[whodoyoulike]

Thanks.

This is nothing but a slot machine.

So, why are they considering it in a horse racing bill?

Casinos already have a group or a bank of slots in my area where a portion of each bet is paid out to a jackpot winner. This sounds like the same type of machine. And, the takeout shouldn't be as a typical track takeout unless that is the real intention. I'll be surprised if anyone considers these machines as if they were betting a horse race since, I would think there would be no useful PP's available either.

[raybo]

Thanks.

This is nothing but a slot machine.

So, why are they considering it in a horse racing bill?



Because it is considered paramutel race wagering, the participants are playing against each other, and the money bet (+ carryovers) by all the participants determines the pool amount available for payouts (minus takeout). The races were actually run at some point in the past, the numbers and identifiers are removed so nobody knows what actual horses were running or which actual race it was.

I don't agree with their justifications, but I can understand why some would. But, the fact is that it is pure gambling, just like slots or any other negative expectation game. You have to get lucky to win, there is no skill or analysis involved.

[forced89]

Oaklawn has a lot more than historical racing.

But that is how they got their foot in the door. After the locals got comfortable with Instant Racing Terminals they passed a referendum (by a whisker) approving slots, etc. The purses then sky rocketed.

[forced89]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Kentucky is the only state in which Instant Racing was approved by a racing commission.

I don't know for sure but it is likely that the Arkansas Racing Commission also approved Instant Racing as I think it was the Management of Oaklawn that developed and first installed the Instant Racing Machines.

[foregoforever]

I don't know for sure but it is likely that the Arkansas Racing Commission also approved Instant Racing as I think it was the Management of Oaklawn that developed and first installed the Instant Racing Machines.

They were the first but, according to Wikipedia, the General Assembly authorized it. The history has been that whenever a racing commission attempted to permit instant racing without the legislature's approval ... as in Texas ... they've been slapped down by Attorney Generals and the courts as being illegal without the approval of the state legislature. In some cases, the legislatures subsequently approved them.

Kentucky is still in court. How the Texas commission thought they could get away with this is beyond me.

[garyscpa]

They were the first but, according to Wikipedia, the General Assembly authorized it. The history has been that whenever a racing commission attempted to permit instant racing without the legislature's approval ... as in Texas ... they've been slapped down by Attorney Generals and the courts as being illegal without the approval of the state legislature. In some cases, the legislatures subsequently approved them.

Kentucky is still in court. How the Texas commission thought they could get away with this is beyond me.

Desperation. The Texas tracks have been losing money for years and the only reason they hold on is the hope that they will get slot machines or casino gambling. This is the closest they could get to slots since the legislature won't pass slots or casino gambling.

[raybo]

Desperation. The Texas tracks have been losing money for years and the only reason they hold on is the hope that they will get slot machines or casino gambling. This is the closest they could get to slots since the legislature won't pass slots or casino gambling.

I agree! It took us decades to get horse racing back in Texas, and the lottery was also started about the same time. The state wasn't doing well economically back then and THAT was the main reason we got racing back, not because non-racing fans wanted it. The fight for racing was a bitter one and had it not been for the state needing additional revenue at that time, racing would have never happened. After the economy in Texas improved, it has been the non-racing fans' goal to get rid of racing again. The lottery, which was supposed to be earmarked for education from its inception, was instead being used for anything lawmakers wanted. Racing took a second seat to the lottery, scratch-offs, and bingo. Then the idiots outlawed Texas residents wagering on TEXAS TRACKS! What in the world were they thinking? If they wanted to keep Texas gambling money in Texas then the logical step would have been to outlaw internet wagering on out of state tracks, not their own tracks. They put a large cut in the throat of Texas racing. That wound has been worsening ever since, and Texas racing was doomed.

This 3 month reprieve will NOT stop the downfall of racing in this state. In order to compete against Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico, Texas would have to approve slots and other casino games, institute massive statewide OTBs, and internet wagering (obviously the best thing would be a state run ADW).

NONE of that is going to happen in this state!! This recent development is just the distress call before the ship sinks into the deep.