Otis11
11-12-2009, 04:35 PM
I live in a State (Michigan) where it's 99.9% certain that the tracks will NOT get slots or any other form of gaming. How do I know this? Because in 2004 the casinos passed a State Amendment requiring the tracks get both Statewide and local approval before they can put in "alternative gaming." Even if they get the measure on the ballot next year the casinos will out spend what little the tracks have and pull one over on the voters again. It's just NOT going to happen here.
Lets just assume for one minute they do get slots. All they will do is take a small percentage of players away from the existing casinos. I've heard horsemen talk about getting the same amount of slot revenue as the casinos are currently getting. That's a pipe-dream and insane to think that. I would tend to believe there is just a "core" group of slots players and by adding slots at the track you just dilute that pool.
Here is my frustration and bewilderment. The tracks in Michigan claim they are hanging on by a thread. Instead of focusing their attention on the core product - racing - they are throwing everything seemingly possible at this slots thing and forgoing any thoughts of alternative methods to increase handle.
My next thought is, if slot machines are the saviour, then why even have racing? Why not just build a slots parlour? If slots will be contributing more to the bottom line then the handle, then what's the point of even holding a race?
There is so much room for this sport/game to expand and it seems like everyone can only think about is slots. I get really frustrated when I see opportunities for the racing industry in emerging technologies and witness a complete lack of attention. It's slots, slots, slots or nothing else from these guys/gals. Why not focus on your core product, be a racetrack; let the casinos be a casino.
I'm done venting now....
Lets just assume for one minute they do get slots. All they will do is take a small percentage of players away from the existing casinos. I've heard horsemen talk about getting the same amount of slot revenue as the casinos are currently getting. That's a pipe-dream and insane to think that. I would tend to believe there is just a "core" group of slots players and by adding slots at the track you just dilute that pool.
Here is my frustration and bewilderment. The tracks in Michigan claim they are hanging on by a thread. Instead of focusing their attention on the core product - racing - they are throwing everything seemingly possible at this slots thing and forgoing any thoughts of alternative methods to increase handle.
My next thought is, if slot machines are the saviour, then why even have racing? Why not just build a slots parlour? If slots will be contributing more to the bottom line then the handle, then what's the point of even holding a race?
There is so much room for this sport/game to expand and it seems like everyone can only think about is slots. I get really frustrated when I see opportunities for the racing industry in emerging technologies and witness a complete lack of attention. It's slots, slots, slots or nothing else from these guys/gals. Why not focus on your core product, be a racetrack; let the casinos be a casino.
I'm done venting now....