Betting Patterns, ATM's, and Gulfstream

[Pace Cap'n]

Thought this excerpt from the referenced article was interesting...

Gulfstream Park officials said the ban on ATMs and check cashing has hurt horse racing. The handle -- the amount of money wagered -- on races starts going down after the sixth race of the day, rather than going up as the track builds to the featured race, because people have spent their money.

Linky Thingy (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-cslots17mar17,0,2882756.story?coll=sfla-news-broward)

[point given]

Thought this excerpt from the referenced article was interesting...



Linky Thingy (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-cslots17mar17,0,2882756.story?coll=sfla-news-broward)
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What they don't say is that people are not comfortable at the track. When you are at the track, and are there for 4-5 hours, you need a place to sit down to watch the races. Most people donot buy seats but walk back and forth between the paddock and track. This gets tiring. they donot provide creature comforts for their customers, hence the customers leave. They have alienated everyday players so that they will not come to the track either. I was there last thursday and got there at noon. Since it just finished raining there were few people there until the weather improved. I shared a table near the paddock with an 88 year old veteran. We looked after each others stuff and I went to view the races live while he watched it on tvs. By the 7-8th race, I was exhausted from the back and forth and standing. Gulfstream bellyaches about everything and does nothing for its customers, they just want to get into your pocket at every chance, but cater to the slots players.
As an example, the 10 palms restaurant has a $30. buffet during racing , but charges $16 at 7pm for slots players, and because there is no betting in the room after live racing ends. maybe horse players might stick around longer if they were treated better. :ThmbDown:

[Faster]

Linky Thingy (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-cslots17mar17,0,2882756.story?coll=sfla-news-broward)
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Ah, so the plan IS working.
If you have to go to your ATM after 6th race, you are probaly not having a good day and should stop playing. Not having an easy acess these machines, and/or check cashing services available will help some poor soul make that right decision.
Knowing that ATMs are not readily available may eventualy force the lazy license plate bettor to think a little and handicap before blowing the two hundred dollars on superfecta and trifecta combos.

[boomman]

What they don't say is that people are not comfortable at the track. When you are at the track, and are there for 4-5 hours, you need a place to sit down to watch the races. Most people donot buy seats but walk back and forth between the paddock and track. This gets tiring. they donot provide creature comforts for their customers, hence the customers leave. They have alienated everyday players so that they will not come to the track either. I was there last thursday and got there at noon. Since it just finished raining there were few people there until the weather improved. I shared a table near the paddock with an 88 year old veteran. We looked after each others stuff and I went to view the races live while he watched it on tvs. By the 7-8th race, I was exhausted from the back and forth and standing. Gulfstream bellyaches about everything and does nothing for its customers, they just want to get into your pocket at every chance, but cater to the slots players.
As an example, the 10 palms restaurant has a $30. buffet during racing , but charges $16 at 7pm for slots players, and because there is no betting in the room after live racing ends. maybe horse players might stick around longer if they were treated better. :ThmbDown:

I am taking a friend of mine who is visiting me from Vegas to Gulfstream on 3/28 and from what I've read since the remodel, I must admit I'm not looking too forward to it! I like wagering on Gulfstream's races (especially the turf races) but that's from the comfort of my home computer! Oh well, Mike will want to meet Larry Collmus, so maybe he'll save us a seat in the pressbox! LOL:D

Boomer

[Pace Cap'n]

Ah, so the plan IS working.


That's what struck me. If there is one thing I hate about going to the races it's those long lines at the ATM just before the seventh race.

[point given]

I am taking a friend of mine who is visiting me from Vegas to Gulfstream on 3/28 and from what I've read since the remodel, I must admit I'm not looking too forward to it! I like wagering on Gulfstream's races (especially the turf races) but that's from the comfort of my home computer! Oh well, Mike will want to meet Larry Collmus, so maybe he'll save us a seat in the pressbox! LOL:D

Boomer

28th is a weekday, no problems, paddock should be half empty, plenty of seats trackside for $3. and no admission and parking, so its a wash. I'm sure you will have a good time. The stuff you hear reflects thoughts of the sfl trackers who have been alienated by the track. Its not enough that you push a few hundred a day thru the windows, they gouge you at every opportunity. Once thing they might try with their players reward program is to track players and if you bet enough, you get free seating , WOw what a concept , taking care of your regular customers.
Take the time during a race to just listen to the crowd and see if you here any wild cheering going on . Everyone can't see the live horses running from the apron, but are watching the live race on the infield video screen, just like you do on your computer.
The place is so dead, you can hear the sound of 1 hand clapping :(

[Faster]

That's what struck me. If there is one thing I hate about going to the races it's those long lines at the ATM just before the seventh race.

There were days you remember recovering or even profiting after you withdrew money after 6th race.
What you don't want to remember is when you dig yourself even deeper hole by not calling it quits when you are losing.

[boomman]

28th is a weekday, no problems, paddock should be half empty, plenty of seats trackside for $3. and no admission and parking, so its a wash. I'm sure you will have a good time. The stuff you hear reflects thoughts of the sfl trackers who have been alienated by the track. Its not enough that you push a few hundred a day thru the windows, they gouge you at every opportunity. Once thing they might try with their players reward program is to track players and if you bet enough, you get free seating , WOw what a concept , taking care of your regular customers.
Take the time during a race to just listen to the crowd and see if you here any wild cheering going on . Everyone can't see the live horses running from the apron, but are watching the live race on the infield video screen, just like you do on your computer.
The place is so dead, you can hear the sound of 1 hand clapping :(

Point: Thanks for the heads up! I have only lived in Southwest Fla for 4.5 years but used to go to GP all the time and loved it! It's amazing how they could have taken the fan out of the game in such a short amount of time! It won't even seem like a racetrack to me if people aren't yelling and screaming for the horses, but we'll check it out and I'll give you my impressions when I return! Figures to be interesting for sure!:confused:

Boomer

[rrbauer]

I am taking a friend of mine who is visiting me from Vegas to Gulfstream on 3/28 and from what I've read since the remodel, I must admit I'm not looking too forward to it! I like wagering on Gulfstream's races (especially the turf races) but that's from the comfort of my home computer! Oh well, Mike will want to meet Larry Collmus, so maybe he'll save us a seat in the pressbox! LOL:D



C'mon over to Tampa on the day before (27th). I'll get you a table for handicapping, trackside seats for watching, buy you lunch and introduce you to Margo. If I'm hot you'll make a few bucks to boot.....

[boomman]

C'mon over to Tampa on the day before (27th). I'll get you a table for handicapping, trackside seats for watching, buy you lunch and introduce you to Margo. If I'm hot you'll make a few bucks to boot.....

Richard: Actually am going to Tampa on Tuesday the 27th and thanks for the invite! We'll have our seats already (courtesy of my friend Richard Grunder) but at 6'4 260lbs, it's easy to see that I don't turn down a "free lunch" very often! LOL:D Feel free to PM me with the details and perhaps we'll see you there!

Boomer

[gillenr]

The ATMs are used heavily by newcomers to AP - these people come without money, pens or clues.
Some years ago they put $50s in, instead of $20s, because they were running dry!

[BeatTheChalk]

28th is a weekday, no problems, paddock should be half empty, plenty of seats trackside for $3. and no admission and parking, so its a wash. I'm sure you will have a good time. The stuff you hear reflects thoughts of the sfl trackers who have been alienated by the track. Its not enough that you push a few hundred a day thru the windows, they gouge you at every opportunity. Once thing they might try with their players reward program is to track players and if you bet enough, you get free seating , WOw what a concept , taking care of your regular customers.
Take the time during a race to just listen to the crowd and see if you here any wild cheering going on . Everyone can't see the live horses running from the apron, but are watching the live race on the infield video screen, just like you do on your computer.
The place is so dead, you can hear the sound of 1 hand clapping :(

Just EXACTLY ....WHAT IZZZZZ the sound of one hand clapping ? :bang:

[point given]

Just EXACTLY ....WHAT IZZZZZ the sound of one hand clapping ? :bang:

Its Gulfstreams secret recipe, you will have to contact their PR department :p

[linrom1]

Thought this excerpt from the referenced article was interesting...



Linky Thingy (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-cslots17mar17,0,2882756.story?coll=sfla-news-broward)
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Only the racing patrons run out of the money, but, not the slot robotrons? This is a red herring!

"The ATM is a convenience for people, and we're obviously making it inconvenient," said Gulfstream Park President Bill Murphy."

Gulfstream Park officials also urged the legislators to consider allowing them to stay open 24 hours -- as opposed to 16 hours -- and reducing the state tax rate on slots. Half of every dollar netted by the machines goes to public education. A bill proposed by committee Vice Chairman Sen. Steven Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, would do both of those things as well as allow ATMs at the pari-mutuels.

Committee member Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, said she thinks the state Legislature will be receptive to amending slots regulations.

[point given]

Only the racing patrons run out of the money, but, not the slot robotrons? This is a red herring!

That was the only quote i've read this meet from the new Gulfstream GM. Speaks volumes of how long this guy will last. I'm waitng for the PR release from Manga on this guy. At least Scott Savin the old Gm was a horse person. He was on track very visible and trying to take care of the racing fans and correct problems on the spot. He also answered all emails i sent promptly and resolved issues quickly. This guy, one corporate PR statement for the meet. And they wonder why horseplayers can't wait for calder to open ?

[andicap]

I actually had a good time at GP but admit it was on weekdays. The weekends probably would have been more challenging unless you planned your day in advance and reserved seats.

I sat in the Silks simulcast room and got a TV with my own betting terminal. How great is that not to have to stand in line or risk getting shut out.
Lots of TVs around the room too. It's not cheap tho, $10 to get a seat with a TV (betting terminal not guaranteed -- quantities limited) and $5 to get a seat WITHOUT a TV. But parking is free and I think admission was too.

Very tough to get a seat on weekends tho -- but you can reserve in advance over the Gulfstream website which is nice.

If I wanted to see a race or get some air I walked a short distance outside, tho getting a seat to get a good vantage point is $3 and I presume sell out pretty quickly on the weekends since there are not a lot of them. I didn't check out the new bleachers but those seats are limited I understand and located in the upper stretch.

To see the paddock you do have to walk a little bit but that's true at any track and there's a great place in the 2nd floor where you can stand and see the horses from above -- good vantage point.

The track was beautiful -- a place you could take anyone without being embarrassed (unlike say Aqueduct).

Or you can sit free in the Senesta room -- tables limited tho, and there no TVs at your table although there are huge screens in the front.

I guess my vantage point is different than PG's, but I had a great time. I guess tho you should like sitting in the simulcast center which I do.
For those who want to get a good seat to watch the races live it could be a frustrating experience on the weekends.

[alysheba88]

Not being able to sit outside is the killer to me. Why go to Florida in the winter and sit inside? Why should the live racing experience be the same as a simulcast center? Would much prefer sitting outside in April at Aqueduct than stick inside in Florida

[point given]

I actually had a good time at GP but admit it was on weekdays. The weekends probably would have been more challenging unless you planned your day in advance and reserved seats.

I sat in the Silks simulcast room and got a TV with my own betting terminal. How great is that not to have to stand in line or risk getting shut out.
Lots of TVs around the room too. It's not cheap tho, $10 to get a seat with a TV (betting terminal not guaranteed -- quantities limited) and $5 to get a seat WITHOUT a TV. But parking is free and I think admission was too.

Very tough to get a seat on weekends tho -- but you can reserve in advance over the Gulfstream website which is nice.

If I wanted to see a race or get some air I walked a short distance outside, tho getting a seat to get a good vantage point is $3 and I presume sell out pretty quickly on the weekends since there are not a lot of them. I didn't check out the new bleachers but those seats are limited I understand and located in the upper stretch.

To see the paddock you do have to walk a little bit but that's true at any track and there's a great place in the 2nd floor where you can stand and see the horses from above -- good vantage point.

The track was beautiful -- a place you could take anyone without being embarrassed (unlike say Aqueduct).

Or you can sit free in the Senesta room -- tables limited tho, and there no TVs at your table although there are huge screens in the front.

I guess my vantage point is different than PG's, but I had a great time. I guess tho you should like sitting in the simulcast center which I do.
For those who want to get a good seat to watch the races live it could be a frustrating experience on the weekends.

glad you had a nice vacation in sunny florida, the chamber thanks you.

That said, when i am live at a track, i have binocs and watch the races live. I only go to simo centers to view other tracks in bad weaher, or stay on the computer.

The outside seating at gulfstream in the stands is $10 saturday $7 sunday, $3 weekdays. Not many people sit in the stands, mostly only on saturday. Even on FOY day when i paid $20 for a seat, the last 2 sections of seats were empty(of 900 seats total ). They have turned off the FL regulars so much that they don't want to go to the track because it is an uncomfortable place . I have never experienced this at any other track, though giveaway days at the SPA can get very crowded, but they improved on that last year.

Its a casino with a racetrack. and from what I heard from slots ladies, the Mardi Gras kennel club ,north a few blocks is much better for slots. Since i'm not a slots guy, its just hearsay. The Pompano Beach harness track will be opening a new slots facility, separate from the track, next month. So, I figure, Gulfstream will suffer and cry poor some more. I just can't say it enuf, Gulfstream management is terrible, and that from employees as well who are not happy as well as horseplayers. For what its worth. 75 and sunny ;)

[boomman]

Not being able to sit outside is the killer to me. Why go to Florida in the winter and sit inside? Why should the live racing experience be the same as a simulcast center? Would much prefer sitting outside in April at Aqueduct than stick inside in Florida

AGREED! (except the Aqueduct comment LOL) When I take friends to Tampa Bay Downs there are some fantastic views of the horses from outside, and with the gorgeous weather that we experience this time of year, you wonder what idiots would rebuild a racetrack without providing sufficient outdoor seating to enhance the racing experience. I have not visited the new Gulfstream yet, but plan to do so on Mar 28, and then will share my personal experience, but everyone that has already been there is basically saying the same thing: if you want to enjoy the races outside, you're screwed!:bang: Jeez, if I want to watch races in a simulcast environment, I'll stay home, avoid the 3 hour drive and watch the computer!

Boomer

[alysheba88]

I have never gone to live racing and sat inside. I can sit home and do that. Dont get it