Lone Star Park rip-off

[RainMan]

Monday and Tues. it will cost $20 to park at Lone Star. Also, if you want a seat you have to buy the whole box of 4 for another $68. Throw in a form and a drink and you're down a hundred bucks before you even sit down. I guess since they have outlawed playing the races from home in Texas they can charge what they want.

[Track Phantom]

Monday and Tues. it will cost $20 to park at Lone Star. Also, if you want a seat you have to buy the whole box of 4 for another $68. Throw in a form and a drink and you're down a hundred bucks before you even sit down. I guess since they have outlawed playing the races from home in Texas they can charge what they want.
I'm sure this move is bringing them in droves.
http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae169/valento07/Empty_719x390_zpspsysnvmv.jpg

[whodoyoulike]

I'm sure this move is bringing them in droves. ...

That picture may very well provide the reason for the increase.

[Track Phantom]

That picture may very well provide the reason for the increase.
It makes you wonder if they have ever cracked a book on business.

[JustRalph]

In the heat I don't know why you would sit outside

They have the nicest simul in the country and good food with great service. The 20 bucks to park is steep but there are other places in Dallas that charge the same......Cowboys stadium for one

[ReplayRandall]

The 20 bucks to park is steep but there are other places in Dallas that charge the same......Cowboys stadium for one

We're not talking Saratoga nor Del Mar here, it's Lone Star for crying out loud....$20 to park??...Frickin' joke, get it fixed..:ThmbDown:

[Tom]

The $3 at Toga pissed me off!
Finger Lakes is FREE parking and admission.:headbanger:

[whodoyoulike]

It makes you wonder if they have ever cracked a book on business.

Yeah, I know.

For two people, I'd let them in for free and give them a free bag of salty popcorn. And, overcharge them on their drinks.

[therussmeister]

Yeah, I know.

For two people, I'd let them in for free and give them a free bag of salty popcorn. And, overcharge them on their drinks.

At Canterbury on Mon., Tues., Wed. you get a free soda or coffee with the purchase of a Racing Form. Does that qualify as overcharging for the drinks?

[JustRalph]

We're not talking Saratoga nor Del Mar here, it's Lone Star for crying out loud....$20 to park??...Frickin' joke, get it fixed..:ThmbDown:

They only charge what the market will allow....apparently it allows 20 bucks :lol:

[ReplayRandall]

They only charge what the market will allow....apparently it allows 20 bucks :lol:

No wonder you moved from Dallas to Houston....Saved at least $20 for starters..:lol:

[thespaah]

its not a rip off if you stay away.
If enough do so, Lone Star management will get it.
Or not.

[dilanesp]

I'm trying to remember what the Breeders Cup charged to park. I think it was less than 20 bucks.

[NTamm1215]

I'm sure this move is bringing them in droves.
http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae169/valento07/Empty_719x390_zpspsysnvmv.jpg

That photo is not of Lone Star.

Since it's opening, Lone Star has had a big July 4 program with fireworks after the races. Those prices are too high, but LS has always gotten a tremendous on-track crowd.

[alhattab]

That photo is not of Lone Star.

Since it's opening, Lone Star has had a big July 4 program with fireworks after the races. Those prices are too high, but LS has always gotten a tremendous on-track crowd.

Yeah it helps to have the complete story. I guess the fireworks is a big deal. Last year they pulled 26,000 people over July 3 (12,500) and 4 (13,700) when presumably they had the July 4 celebrations, and 5,500 on July 2 when presumably they didn't. Also, you can prepay and get $10 parking if you buy before July 2. The 5500 bet $182k on track ($35 per). The 12,500 bet $366k ($30) and the 13,700 bet $264k ($20!).

Saying all that, it does suck that you can't play from home. There's no way I would go to the track on those days, and you don't have any options. How far is it to Manor Downs!

[Bennie]

You could probably get a junket flight to Vegas for less and all the drinks for free:headbanger:

[Clocker]

At Canterbury on Mon., Tues., Wed. you get a free soda or coffee with the purchase of a Racing Form. Does that qualify as overcharging for the drinks?

What's admission there now? I was there a while back and as I remember it was $6 ($8 on big days) and another $5 or more for a decent grandstand seat.

[whodoyoulike]

At Canterbury on Mon., Tues., Wed. you get a free soda or coffee with the purchase of a Racing Form. Does that qualify as overcharging for the drinks?

I do get what you're getting at but, I was thinking of a new revenue generator for the track. Now, the free drinks plus charge say $10 to use the restrooms would be something I'd recommend.

But, I'd still suggest the free popcorn. It's an overall inexpensive cost. It also makes the environment smell festive and the people happy. Everyone loves popcorn.Think of county fairs the smells and atmosphere.

It will bring the betting customers into this place in droves and besides this is CBY which you're talking about because their horse racing won't.

Btw, I can't get anyone to pay me any longer for my ideas and suggestions.

[Vinnie]

It has always been my opinion that any track charging for parking or admission constitutes borderline blasphemy. Let's face it, in this game the vast majority of folks that enter your establishment will be leaving with less money, often far less money than they initially arrived with on their person:mad. As Charles Barkley would say "It's Terrible"!! :mad:

[RainMan]

It has always been my opinion that any track charging for parking or admission constitutes borderline blasphemy. Let's face it, in this game the vast majority of folks that enter your establishment will be leaving with less money, often far less money than they initially arrived with on their person:mad. As Charles Barkley would say "It's Terrible"!! :mad:

I don't ever recall going to a casino or Vegas sportsbook and having to pay for parking, admission or a place to sit. As a matter of fact it is just the opposite. Freebies, drinks, racing forms etc. Or, if you want to learn how to gamble on a certain table game - they will teach you for free. Of course the odds are stacked against you at casinos but horse track management should wake up and take note. Why not take the money spent on fireworks, bands and pony rides for kids trying to attract the 2 dollar show bettor who doesn't have a clue and market to the real horse players who drive the handle?

[dilanesp]

I don't ever recall going to a casino or Vegas sportsbook and having to pay for parking, admission or a place to sit. As a matter of fact it is just the opposite. Freebies, drinks, racing forms etc. Or, if you want to learn how to gamble on a certain table game - they will teach you for free. Of course the odds are stacked against you at casinos but horse track management should wake up and take note. Why not take the money spent on fireworks, bands and pony rides for kids trying to attract the 2 dollar show bettor who doesn't have a clue and market to the real horse players who drive the handle?

Go now. Lots of Vegas casinos now charge $10 to park.

And they have charged for parking for decades in Tahoe and Reno.

These charges are not some sort of inherent fairness issue. They are a price point and part of the business model.

And make of this what you will: the nicest racetrack in Southern California, Del Mar, charges $10 to park. The dumpiest, Los Alamitos, has free parking. This is no accident. Free parking attracts the sort of customers who don't like to spend money. If you like NICE things, you have to pay for them (and no, betting handle is not the same, because not everyone pays or pays the same amount).

[Dave Schwartz]

I don't ever recall going to a casino or Vegas sportsbook and having to pay for parking, admission or a place to sit.

This is new, as I recall reading. Went into effect about a year ago.

As Las Vegas management has said in the past, "We expect to make money on every area of our business."

(That's why the newer hotel designs do not include a low-priced buffet.)

[castaway01]

But you're paying for the fireworks show, right? It just happens to be at a racetrack...

[RainMan]

They should think about the poor horses kicking their stalls when fireworks are blasting above the barns.

[whodoyoulike]

Go now. Lots of Vegas casinos now charge $10 to park.

And they have charged for parking for decades in Tahoe and Reno.

These charges are not some sort of inherent fairness issue. They are a price point and part of the business model.

And make of this what you will: the nicest racetrack in Southern California, Del Mar, charges $10 to park. The dumpiest, Los Alamitos, has free parking. This is no accident. Free parking attracts the sort of customers who don't like to spend money. If you like NICE things, you have to pay for them (and no, betting handle is not the same, because not everyone pays or pays the same amount).

I've heard this argument forever. I think the ones who started it were the race tracks because during all those years, casinos never charged for parking and admission. And, people freely spent money gambling. The casinos realized the effect of churn and making people happy while losing their money.

It's my opinion that the reason casinos have recently started charging for parking is because they have changed their focus towards an entertainment atmosphere and the gambling revenues obviously substantially decreased because of it.

The allure was give the gamblers something for their money.

Now, IMO a simple solution would be free popcorn because ....

[dilanesp]

I've heard this argument forever. I think the ones who started it were the race tracks because during all those years, casinos never charged for parking and admission. And, people freely spent money gambling. The casinos realized the effect of churn and making people happy while losing their money.

It's my opinion that the reason casinos have recently started charging for parking is because they have changed their focus towards an entertainment atmosphere and the gambling revenues obviously substantially decreased because of it.

The allure was give the gamblers something for their money.

Now, IMO a simple solution would be free popcorn because ....

I started going to Vegas when I was underage in the 1980's. The average casino on the strip in that era was pretty ratty, with the exception of a couple of prestige properties like Caesar's Palace. And yes, parking was free, buffets and other sorts of food were cheap, a lot of casinos had gift shops selling cheap Las Vegas trinkets, etc.

Now, just about every strip casino is a palace, Caesar's is now on the modest side, and parking is $10, food is expensive (and much better), casinos have high end shops like Cartier and Chanel, etc.

Has it ever occurred to you that professional or near-professional gamblers are not the best target audience for gambling venues? If you are in the gambling business, who do you want-- a cheap loner with no social life who wears smelly clothes and rarely spends any money other than his betting churn, or a group of good looking 20 and 30-somethings who get drunk, freely spend money, and are visibly having fun?

[whodoyoulike]

I started going to Vegas when I was underage in the 1980's. The average casino on the strip in that era was pretty ratty, with the exception of a couple of prestige properties like Caesar's Palace. And yes, parking was free, buffets and other sorts of food were cheap, a lot of casinos had gift shops selling cheap Las Vegas trinkets, etc.

Now, just about every strip casino is a palace, Caesar's is now on the modest side, and parking is $10, food is expensive (and much better), casinos have high end shops like Cartier and Chanel, etc.

Has it ever occurred to you that professional or near-professional gamblers are not the best target audience for gambling venues? If you are in the gambling business, who do you want-- a cheap loner with no social life who wears smelly clothes and rarely spends any money other than his betting churn, or a group of good looking 20 and 30-somethings who get drunk, freely spend money, and are visibly having fun?

Some of the latest Las Vegas gambling articles which I've read have indicated gambling revenue has been declining the last few years (5 - 10?). I know they initially attributed it to the Great Recession.

One recent one noted that even the poker rooms are being reduced in the number of tables provided. I think it was Wynn who was trying to transform Vegas into an adult Disneyland where it would be fun for the whole family.

I remember the 80's and the strip hotel casinos were great. The ratty ones were downtown but, I also thought they were great.

Do you remember the MGM Grand which partially burned down?

It reminded me of a palace where most of these old geezers were all with young gorgeous women. They must've been good conversationalists.

[n.c]

seating is charged little extra( talking about the simulcast)..if you came for the fireworks, in the evening, you will end up paying extra for the parking.

[MutuelClerk]

This is new, as I recall reading. Went into effect about a year ago.

As Las Vegas management has said in the past, "We expect to make money on every area of our business."

(That's why the newer hotel designs do not include a low-priced buffet.)

The Supreme Court will soon rock their business world in every area. I for one can't wait. Greedy bastards.

[dilanesp]

Some of the latest Las Vegas gambling articles which I've read have indicated gambling revenue has been declining the last few years (5 - 10?). I know they initially attributed it to the Great Recession.

One recent one noted that even the poker rooms are being reduced in the number of tables provided. I think it was Wynn who was trying to transform Vegas into an adult Disneyland where it would be fun for the whole family.

Poker rooms are not very profitable for casinos. They take up a lot of floor space and require a lot of overhead.

The poker boom didn't last, and it isn't surprising that there was retrenchment.

[JustRalph]

It's well known in the bar business, your cover charge is a tool for controlling who comes through the door. If that doesn't get you what you want, adjust the dress code 👍

[proximity]

if you're in las vegas get a caesar's total rewards card and go online and register for this summer's las vegas quest for rewards program.

25 tier credits of slots and 25 tier credits of tables in a single day at a casino should earn you a 200 tier credit slots badge, a 200 tier credit tables badge and a 200 tier credit property badge = 600 tier credits + the 50 you earned = 650 tier credits times eight strip casinos = 5200 tier credits which makes you a platinum member who gets FREE parking until january 31, 2019. :)

[ReplayRandall]

As the former gambling mecca of the world, Las Vegas is done.....Now home to the Raiders and an NHL franchise, the visitors get fleeced with another room Tax hike as well as "resort fees", along with escalating parking fees, 6to5 blackjacks, AND don't forget the newly installed lights on all video gaming to signal whether you've played enough to get a free drink.....Stick a fork up Vegas's ass, they're done.

BTW, I worked in Vegas 14 years at the Stardust, Maxim and Caesars Palace, the place is a rip-off for gamblers, just a shell of what it once was and will never be again....pathetic..:rip:

[JustRalph]

How did you end up in Charlotte

If u don't mind me asking?

[dilanesp]

As the former gambling mecca of the world, Las Vegas is done.....Now home to the Raiders and an NHL franchise, the visitors get fleeced with another room Tax hike as well as "resort fees", along with escalating parking fees, 6to5 blackjacks, AND don't forget the newly installed lights on all video gaming to signal whether you've played enough to get a free drink.....Stick a fork up Vegas's ass, they're done.

BTW, I worked in Vegas 14 years at the Stardust, Maxim and Caesars Palace, the place is a rip-off for gamblers, just a shell of what it once was and will never be again....pathetic..:rip:

They don't need your money, RR.

[lamboguy]

Lone Star was very nice to me yesterday, they gave me $3.40 to win on GALACTICA in the 9th race. it should have been $2.20

[jballscalls]

Tuesday night crowd was 15,743 at Lone Star

[NTamm1215]

Tuesday night crowd was 15,743 at Lone Star

Stop with the facts, please.

[MonmouthParkJoe]

Far from being done, their business model has just changed. Years ago most Vegas casinos made money on the gaming side of things while breaking even or losing money on F&B and rooms. Fast forward to today. Most larger and mid level casinos there have a revenue mix of about 40-45% from gaming with the remaining 55-65% coming from rooms, F&B and retail. In fact, most make more off of rooms than any other business segment, slots included.

From a customer standpoint, yes you get nickeled and dimed to death. Free rooms but you have to pay for resort fees and various taxes, then add on parking. Yes the parking fee was implemented recently. My last stay at the Bellagio I valet parked where it used to be free as well. Now it is $18, PER DAY. Prices are through the roof for everything. Cant wait to go back haha

[RainMan]

Tuesday night crowd was 15,743 at Lone Star

With an live on-track handle of $296,284 that means each person bet less than $19.

[dilanesp]

With an live on-track handle of $296,284 that means each person bet less than $19.

So you have a large on track crowd but they aren't betting much?

Gee, I wonder why they might charge more for admission and parking....

[thaskalos]

With an live on-track handle of $296,284 that means each person bet less than $19.

No wonder the Texans are barred from the ADWs...

[therussmeister]

With an live on-track handle of $296,284 that means each person bet less than $19.

These days I find handle per person on live racing meaningless as it might include people that bet zip, zero, zilch on love racing and $750 on simulcasts.

[BrentT]

As the former gambling mecca of the world, Las Vegas is done.....Now home to the Raiders and an NHL franchise, the visitors get fleeced with another room Tax hike as well as "resort fees", along with escalating parking fees, 6to5 blackjacks, AND don't forget the newly installed lights on all video gaming to signal whether you've played enough to get a free drink.....Stick a fork up Vegas's ass, they're done.

BTW, I worked in Vegas 14 years at the Stardust, Maxim and Caesars Palace, the place is a rip-off for gamblers, just a shell of what it once was and will never be again....pathetic..:rip:

You are correct, it is a shell of what it once was.

However, it will never be done or die.