Interesting 2004 Discussion On Takeout, Whales, etc

[Cangamble]

Willmot comes across as a schizophrenic when you review his comments and look at where WEG's track takeout is today:

http://www.harnesstracks.com/2004_annual_meeting/Rebates_And_Takeout.htm

[rrbauer]

Nothing gets settled in an arena where everyone thinks that their position is the "right" one and pisses on the other positions. There is some good information presented in the column that the link references and it serves to highlight many of the factors that remain issues today even though it took place over 4 years ago (which makes you wonder how hard anyone is trying).

What has changed in the industry since then is that the horsemen via their group representations have decided that the racetracks are no longer adequate "facilitators" for them where negotiating revenue splits are concerned. By taking a harder line about who gets what, the horsemen, via their group representations, are succeeding in alienating the racetracks (which they need to present their product); the horseplayers (which they need to generate revenue); and, the ADW providers (which they need to facilitate the money circulation that creates the revenue).

Horseplayers continue to be under-represented in all of this and I don't see that changing until enough of our money gets out of the game, to the point where we become the issue and recognized as the next-to-become-extinct species!

[Cangamble]

I just don't get Willmot. He was quoted "I would argue that takeout levels are perhaps too high, and I don’t think any of us doubt that lower takeouts result in greater churn and handle."
Yet Woodbine is in the top 7 when it comes to highest takeouts in North America. And you can't blame taxes. They only pay 1.3% on every bet to the government.
That is why I have to say that Willmot sounds schizophrenic. 28.3% takeout on triactors???????