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View Full Version : An old timers point of view on takeout and fan growth.


twindouble
10-28-2009, 01:24 PM
My thoughts go back to the old DRF forum, prior to PA's existence and wouldn't you know players were complaining about takeout back then. Here today it's been the main topic of concern but in my opinion it's to late in the game to expect any radical changes in takeout, now, in the near future if at all. That's why I'm suggesting getting a better cut of the rebates for players. I have three different ADW accounts, they all offer a point system for players. I call them casino Wam Pum points, peanuts compared to what the whales get. What get's me is a player can turn in those points for merchandise, you would think a better idea would be only cash to be churned again. I don't know about you guys but I have four TV's and three computers in my house and I don't need garden tools so I take the cash and I earn a little interest. I don't know how many players go for merchandise but cash to me is more important. Offering double the points on a track I'm not interested in playing also makes no sense to me. I'm not the type of player that can be bounced around from track to track, I have to get a handle on it before I jump in with both hands.

At this point we can't change the sails when the ship is sinking before our very eyes. We have to compromise and plug what holes we can and like I said, getting something is better than nothing. I have a short list that won't cost the tracks anything, might even save them money. Like doing away with those nuisance W2G's and eliminating withholdings below $50,000.00. After all, only a small percentage of players actually win at the game;) so why tax all those losers, just tax the professional gamblers on their bottom line. Here in MA, gambling losses can't be deducted, winnings go into adjusted gross income. MA income tax is 6.5 percent, up one percent over last year. Government good at four things, tax, spend, corruption and taking our freedoms away. I needed a freaking permit to replace rotten lattice work on my own home. :mad:

Better days for racing will only come about by growing the fan base, shuffling what money that's available around from track to track isn't the answer. There's differences of opinion as to what direction racing should go to pull new players into the game. To begin with, in this economy it's going to be a tougher nut to crack. When it comes to this subject, those with progressive ideas are quick to write me off as a relic of the past like I've been lost in the woods somewhere and not in touch wiyh 21st century thinking. Well, I've been constantly involved in racing sense 1960, I would like to think I have a good feel for the game including a reasonable understanding of players in general. Over the years I've been directly responsible for bringing many players into the game and I've assisted others that were struggling with it. I'm just one person, anyone who really loves the game as many have said here, should express all the good things about it, I would have never been able to convert anyone into a player by just trashing the game. My enthusiasm, positive thinking and talking about the historical aspects of racing is what won them over. I never left out how important the horse is in every aspect of the game. Anyone that looks at a horse can't help but to think, that's one awesome animal, let alone see them run their hearts out so you can cash a ticket. I even enjoy watching them run when I have no money down. Those that think they are just a ticket to win are ignoring the "heart and sole" of the game. The horse is the cultural Icon of racing like Babe Ruth was to baseball and many others. The horse has to be ingrained in our society again for racing to succeed and respect for the traditions that came with it. The cultural and historical thread of racing is what means the most. Everything else is speculation whereas this is absolute truth. Take it from an old timer.

46zilzal
10-28-2009, 01:37 PM
Fairly soon WE are going to be the only ones supporting this game.

BUT we had the chance to see the best: Forego, Bid, Affirmed, Cigar, John Henry, Slew, and Red...The Johnny Come Lately's just read about them

BUD
10-28-2009, 02:11 PM
Hear you on the Massachusetts stuff-In Ma most folk don't realize that the west pays for the East---

Be well TwinD


My thoughts go back to the old DRF forum, prior to PA's existence and wouldn't you know players were complaining about takeout back then. Here today it's been the main topic of concern but in my opinion it's to late in the game to expect any radical changes in takeout, now, in the near future if at all. That's why I'm suggesting getting a better cut of the rebates for players. I have three different ADW accounts, they all offer a point system for players. I call them casino Wam Pum points, peanuts compared to what the whales get. What get's me is a player can turn in those points for merchandise, you would think a better idea would be only cash to be churned again. I don't know about you guys but I have four TV's and three computers in my house and I don't need garden tools so I take the cash and I earn a little interest. I don't know how many players go for merchandise but cash to me is more important. Offering double the points on a track I'm not interested in playing also makes no sense to me. I'm not the type of player that can be bounced around from track to track, I have to get a handle on it before I jump in with both hands.

At this point we can't change the sails when the ship is sinking before our very eyes. We have to compromise and plug what holes we can and like I said, getting something is better than nothing. I have a short list that won't cost the tracks anything, might even save them money. Like doing away with those nuisance W2G's and eliminating withholdings below $50,000.00. After all, only a small percentage of players actually win at the game;) so why tax all those losers, just tax the professional gamblers on their bottom line. Here in MA, gambling losses can't be deducted, winnings go into adjusted gross income. MA income tax is 6.5 percent, up one percent over last year. Government good at four things, tax, spend, corruption and taking our freedoms away. I needed a freaking permit to replace rotten lattice work on my own home. :mad:

Better days for racing will only come about by growing the fan base, shuffling what money that's available around from track to track isn't the answer. There's differences of opinion as to what direction racing should go to pull new players into the game. To begin with, in this economy it's going to be a tougher nut to crack. When it comes to this subject, those with progressive ideas are quick to write me off as a relic of the past like I've been lost in the woods somewhere and not in touch wiyh 21st century thinking. Well, I've been constantly involved in racing sense 1960, I would like to think I have a good feel for the game including a reasonable understanding of players in general. Over the years I've been directly responsible for bringing many players into the game and I've assisted others that were struggling with it. I'm just one person, anyone who really loves the game as many have said here, should express all the good things about it, I would have never been able to convert anyone into a player by just trashing the game. My enthusiasm, positive thinking and talking about the historical aspects of racing is what won them over. I never left out how important the horse is in every aspect of the game. Anyone that looks at a horse can't help but to think, that's one awesome animal, let alone see them run their hearts out so you can cash a ticket. I even enjoy watching them run when I have no money down. Those that think they are just a ticket to win are ignoring the "heart and sole" of the game. The horse is the cultural Icon of racing like Babe Ruth was to baseball and many others. The horse has to be ingrained in our society again for racing to succeed and respect for the traditions that came with it. The cultural and historical thread of racing is what means the most. Everything else is speculation whereas this is absolute truth. Take it from an old timer.

twindouble
10-28-2009, 06:12 PM
Thanks for responding Guys. Regardless of what direct racing goes, I'll still play the game until I die. :cool:


Good luck to both of you.


Vern

strapper
10-28-2009, 06:22 PM
I'm not sure the fan base in racing is growing all that much, at least not as much as it needs to in order to ensure the future of the game. Education and promotion is absolutely required in this game; if tracks fail to take the lead in those two mandatory categories it won't keep pace with other forms of sports entertainment and gambling.

Horseplayersbet.com
10-28-2009, 09:01 PM
Thanks for responding Guys. Regardless of what direct racing goes, I'll still play the game until I die. :cool:


Good luck to both of you.


Vern
You need to quit smoking. It is turning you green. :)