Los Alamitos handle down 25% on 1st night of increased takeout

[InsideThePylons-MW]

Comparing tongiht's numbers to last Thursday's numbers.....

Both nights had 8 races with basically equal quality and field size.

Tonight's total handle $577K

Last Thursday's total handle $767K

Down 25%

I'm sure they'll blame it on the weather and SA canceling.......BUT.......

On track handle was only down 21%

In-state handle was down 26%

Out of state and ADW handle was down 24%

If it was just the weather, why was non-Ca handle down 24%?

Let's hope that maybe this handle drop will keep going and send an instant message to the dolts that raised it.

[chickenhead]

it's the economy

[johnhannibalsmith]

Good thing they raised the tax 2%... think of how bad off they would have been if they hadn't... :liar:

[BirdstoneFTW]

it's the economy

"Climate Change" :lol:

[lamboguy]

interesting. i was wondering why the super i hit only paid $105. theres the answer.

[Horseplayersbet.com]

Comparing tongiht's numbers to last Thursday's numbers.....

Both nights had 8 races with basically equal quality and field size.

Tonight's total handle $577K

Last Thursday's total handle $767K

Down 25%

I'm sure they'll blame it on the weather and SA canceling.......BUT.......

On track handle was only down 21%

In-state handle was down 26%

Out of state and ADW handle was down 24%

If it was just the weather, why was non-Ca handle down 24%?

Let's hope that maybe this handle drop will keep going and send an instant message to the dolts that raised it.
They made a terrible miscalculation, they needed to increase takeout by 5% to end up with the same amount money as they did last week. :)

[qhrick]

The out of state numbers ( off 24% ) are very telling.

It seems a testament to this board in particular and horseplayers in general for understanding a bad situation and reacting by withholding handle

I looked at Los Al's handle for all of 2009. The average Thursday handle for the 47 cards they ran was appx 756k

The single worst handle was on 6-25-09, 638,624

Only 10 of the 47 days were under 700k

So tonights handle was easily the worst in recent history

If those bad numbers continue, I would suspect we may see Los Al take a quick look at a possible return to sanity

[andymays]

The out of state numbers ( off 24% ) are very telling.

It seems a testament to this board in particular and horseplayers in general for understanding a bad situation and reacting by withholding handle

I looked at Los Al's handle for all of 2009. The average Thursday handle for the 47 cards they ran was appx 756k

The single worst handle was on 6-25-09, 638,624

Only 10 of the 47 days were under 700k

So tonights handle was easily the worst in recent history

If those bad numbers continue, I would suspect we may see Los Al take a quick look at a possible return to sanity


I hope it continues. It would be nice to see that when Horseplayers make a little noise someone is listening.

The bad weather had to have a lot to do with it though.

[BillW]

it's the economy

Much worse than last week!

[Stillriledup]

I hope it continues. It would be nice to see that when Horseplayers make a little noise someone is listening.

The bad weather had to have a lot to do with it though.

But, don't you think horseplayers had MORE money to play with because of the cancellation of SA? I know when Aqueduct would cancel in the daytime, the nighttime Meadowlands thoroughbred handle would be much bigger if they found a way to race.

[andymays]

But, don't you think horseplayers had MORE money to play with because of the cancellation of SA? I know when Aqueduct would cancel in the daytime, the nighttime Meadowlands thoroughbred handle would be much bigger if they found a way to race.


Yes, but I also think that even the out of state people see the sloppy surface and hold back a little. But not 24% worth. :ThmbUp:

If the handle can stay lower it will be a great victory for HANA and everyone that made an effort to get the word out. :ThmbUp:

[Stillriledup]

Yes, but I also think that even the out of state people see the sloppy surface and hold back a little. But not 24% worth. :ThmbUp:

If the handle can stay lower it will be a great victory for HANA and everyone that made an effort to get the word out. :ThmbUp:


Even if Los Al decides to eventually go back to previous levels, i'd still encourage people to stay away from their signal. Their racing is absolute garbage, they're running 2k claimers at 4.5 furlongs and the rest of the races aren't even thoroughbreds. The jockeys riding there are there because they're not good enough to ride at real tracks. There are plenty of thoroughbreds to wager on, you don't need to bet money on overpriced bets with poor quality racing.

[andymays]

Even if Los Al decides to eventually go back to previous levels, i'd still encourage people to stay away from their signal. Their racing is absolute garbage, they're running 2k claimers at 4.5 furlongs and the rest of the races aren't even thoroughbreds. The jockeys riding there are there because they're not good enough to ride at real tracks. There are plenty of thoroughbreds to wager on, you don't need to bet money on overpriced bets with poor quality racing.


I haven't made a bet there for over 20 years.

Everyone should keep their fingers crossed and continue to make noise over the issue. :ThmbUp:

[Stillriledup]

I haven't made a bet there for over 20 years.

Everyone should keep their fingers crossed and continue to make noise over the issue. :ThmbUp:

How about a full page ad in the racing form right smack in the middle of the Los Al PPs. That would be awesome.

[andymays]

How about a full page ad in the racing form right smack in the middle of the Los Al PPs. That would be awesome.


That's what Roger Stein suggested we should do (I think it was him as I got a lot of email on the subject and he did cover it on his shows last weekend). Print ads all over the place.

The problem with that is the dinero to do it.

[Stillriledup]

That's what Roger Stein suggested we should do (I think it was him as I got a lot of email on the subject and he did cover it on his shows last weekend). Print ads all over the place.

The problem with that is the dinero to do it.

how much do you think it will cost?

[andymays]

how much do you think it will cost?


I have no idea. Maybe 5k or 10k?????????????????????

[Stillriledup]

I have no idea. Maybe 5k or 10k?????????????????????

Really? ten grand? Its cheaper to get a TV commercial. In fact, tv commercials are really cheap if you know what channel to get them on and what time slots.

[andymays]

Really? ten grand? Its cheaper to get a TV commercial. In fact, tv commercials are really cheap if you know what channel to get them on and what time slots.

Roger Stein just emailed me and said he is going to call for a boycott of Los Al until they change the hike. That's worth quite a bit. He understands that what's good for Horseplayers is good for Racing. Hat's off to Roger Stein! :ThmbUp:

I may start a thread about his show and what he's planning for tommorow.

[Robert Goren]

The only thing better than this is if they had cut their take 2% and the handle had gone up 24%. :)

[andymays]

The only thing better than this is if they had cut their take 2% and the handle had gone up 24%. :)

:ThmbUp:

[Horseplayersbet.com]

The weather may have contributed a little, but out of state was off $120,000. This has nothing to do with weather, and all to do with player protests.
Had we seen a takeout increase that was not publicized, we would have seen no change.
That being said, had it not been publicized, over a few months we would see handle drop off because players would not have as much to play with. In today's climate, this would affect the Los Al regulars the most and contribute to bettors playing less, where some may take bigger breaks from the game and again, I stress this, when they are not playing, there is no likelihood they will bring others out with them and that they will not expose others to the game period. This hurts short term handle and long term growth as well.

I do think that HANA has made takeout a big issue to people who may have not been cognizant of it a year or two ago, so more people are getting it.

Gamblers are always looking for excuses why they don't win. They blame themselves for making wrong decisions, they blame the ride, they blame drugs, all valid, but all the above would be a lot easier to overcome if takeout were reduced, but players generally don't say they are losing because of the takeout, because that would mean that they should question why they are betting horses in the first place.

[andymays]

This in from Jerry Jam who forwarded my original email below to all the mucky mucks in California and in the media. :ThmbUp:

My email below was sent to the CHRB and other notables regarding the decline in handle of 25% at Los Alamitos after the raise in the take.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YES---------AND TAKE IT DOWN ANOTHER 25% TONIGHT!!!!!

SEND THEM A CLEARER MESSAGE!!!

JERRY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a message dated 1/22/2010 3:14:09 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, Andy writes: to CHRB

I hope you guys don’t underestimate the power of the message boards and the radio shows. There are several people like myself who hammer the boards and get the word out on a daily basis. Maybe the handle being down was a coincidence and I’m sure the weather had something to do with it but I intend to keep hammering away until the Horseplayers are protected from abusive takeout. Please protect the Horseplayers and error on their side!

[BlueShoe]

The weather may have contributed a little, but out of state was off $120,000. This has nothing to do with weather, and all to do with player protests.
Impossible. If the total handle was off $200,000, how could 120k be from out of state and only 80k of that decline from California? As I mentioned last night in another thread, the majority of the money wagered at Los Al is wagered in California, and most of that in SoCal. The weather had almost everything to do with it. Los Al got hit with two solid punches and a jab. The Santa Anita washout kept many of the fans at home, and then the weather discouraged the night q horse bettors, both live at Los Al and satellite, from leaving home. If someone would check, they likely would find that the handle at Cal Expo harness last night was also off. Most q horse fans either have not heard of the 2% raise or else dont care. Last weekend I queried several guys at Los Al about the raise, and all expressed either ignorance or indifference. Wish that the 25% plunge was due entirely to bettors boycott, but Im sorry fellas, it just aint so.

[Horseplayersbet.com]

Impossible. If the total handle was off $200,000, how could 120k be from out of state and only 80k of that decline from California? As I mentioned last night in another thread, the majority of the money wagered at Los Al is wagered in California, and most of that in SoCal. The weather had almost everything to do with it. Los Al got hit with two solid punches and a jab. The Santa Anita washout kept many of the fans at home, and then the weather discouraged the night q horse bettors, both live at Los Al and satellite, from leaving home. If someone would check, they likely would find that the handle at Cal Expo harness last night was also off. Most q horse fans either have not heard of the 2% raise or else dont care. Last weekend I queried several guys at Los Al about the raise, and all expressed either ignorance or indifference. Wish that the 25% plunge was due entirely to bettors boycott, but Im sorry fellas, it just aint so.
Seriously. Go to Equibase. The numbers are broken down there. I'm not making it up. You can easily see last Thursday's numbers as well.

[andymays]

It doesn't matter what caused it as far as keeping up the pressure is concerned. If the weather caused it but it gets people fired up to talk about it and not forget about the issue then its all good.

If Roger Stein goes off about the 2% increase on tomorrows show we can ride that wave as well.

The point is to make the other tracks a little nervous about trying it.

[qhrick]

Let me suggest one other way to be heard on this issue:

Email Los Alalmitos direct and let them know how you feel

Follow the link below, send an email to Orlando Gutierrez, marketing director
These comments WILL BE forwarded to Doc Allred


http://www.losalamitos.com/Info.aspx

[Tom]

I have no idea. Maybe 5k or 10k?????????????????????\

Have the ad say We spent 10K on this ad rather than bet it at this ridiculous track!

[FenceBored]

how much do you think it will cost?

Daily Racing Form Ad rates (http://www.drf.com/about/about_ad_rates.html) (per day).
Full page weekday Pacific edition only: $1,035.00
Full page weekend Pacific edition only: $1,580.00

Full page weekday All NA editions: $3,020.00
Full page weekend All NA editions: $4,390.00

[chickenhead]

Daily Racing Form Ad rates (http://www.drf.com/about/about_ad_rates.html) (per day).
Full page weekday Pacific edition only: $1,035.00
Full page weekend Pacific edition only: $1,580.00

Full page weekday All NA editions: $3,020.00
Full page weekend All NA editions: $4,390.00

per inch

[FenceBored]

per inch

I found that a bit confusing as well, but the 1/4 page rate is a little bit more than the full page rate divided by 4. Unless they're really charging 4x the price per inch to have a full page ad instead of a 1/4 page ad, the price has to be a fixed price for all the inches on the page.

[InsideThePylons-MW]

It's all over.

Handle up huge compared to last Friday on first 2 races tonight.

Everybody got their paychecks and SA being closed means they are fresh and pockets full at Los Al tonight.

If this keeps up, look for other tracks to raise their takeout very soon.

[DeanT]

Kudos to the folks who stepped up regardless. Some good passion by several players who stepped up and continue to.

This takeout increase will be felt like the takeout increases of 2002, 2003 and 2004 and beyond have been felt - with less and less wagering for subsequent years because players get tired of making an ATM run, and finally say screw it.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CG5TVR2hGjE/S1Mode4MCHI/AAAAAAAAAOM/7MYCfkeO2JE/s320/handle.jpg

[InsideThePylons-MW]

Handle is dropping off on the late races......maybe it won't be so bad.

[Jeff P]

Tonight's Los Al Card races 1-4 so far... vs. the same day (FRI) same week last year:

R1 FRI FRI
1/22/1010 1/23/2009
-------------- --------------
WPS 25,763 32,183
EXA 17,835 21,902
TRI 18,441 24,041
SUPER 19,001 24,531
DD 8,256 9,684
P3 NA NA
P4 114,873 99,262
PP ALL 4,326 NA*
-------------- --------------
208,495 211,603 -1.5%*Note - Couldn't pull a place pick all number from last year's chart... gave this year's date credit for it but not last year.


R2 FRI FRI
1/22/1010 1/23/2009
-------------- --------------
WPS 22,572 35,554
EXA 23,112 24,580
TRI 25,743 26,702
SUPER 23,709 25,322
DD NA NA
P3 13,120 16,312
P4 NA NA
PP ALL NA NA
-------------- --------------
108,256 128,470 -15.7%
R3 FRI FRI
1/22/1010 1/23/2009
-------------- --------------
WPS 31,463 28,739
EXA 19,985 19,176
TRI 20,614 21,499
SUPER 16,528 18,915
DD NA NA
P3 7,927 9,962
P4 NA NA
P6 4,083 5,550
-------------- --------------
100,600 103,841 -3.1%
R4 FRI FRI
1/22/1010 1/23/2009
-------------- --------------
WPS 33,301 44,343
EXA 19,823 33,050
TRI 20,632 36,348
SUPER 16,717 30,675
DD 1,882 NA
P3 7,755 8,801
-------------- --------------
100,110 153,217 -34.7%
TOTALS
-------------- --------------
R1 208,495 211,603 -1.5%
R2 108,256 128,470 -15.7%
R3 100,600 103,841 -3.1%
R4 100,110 153,217 -34.7%
-------------- --------------
TOT 517,461 597,131 -13.3%


First 4 races down 13.3%.




-jp

.

[Jeff P]

Los Al, first two nights at higher takeout:

SAME WEEKDAY LAST WK SAME WEEKDAY LAST YR
Thurs 1/21/2010 Thurs 1/14/2010 Thurs 1/22/2009
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
On Track 63,313.00 80,074.00 106,160.00
ITW 146,660.00 205,150.00 186,637.00
ISW 366,958.00 481,777.00 441,356.00
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
TOTAL 576,931.00 767,001.00 734,153.00

SAME WEEKDAY LAST WK SAME WEEKDAY LAST YR
FRI 1/22/2010 FRI 1/15/2010 FRI 1/23/2009
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
On Track 95,713.00 132,357.00 145,491.00
ITW 215,185.00 249,447.00 311,219.00
ISW 529,385.00 643,707.00 707,587.00
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
TOTAL 840,283.00 1,025,511.00 1,164,297.00




-jp

.

[andymays]

It's all over.

Handle up huge compared to last Friday on first 2 races tonight.

Everybody got their paychecks and SA being closed means they are fresh and pockets full at Los Al tonight.

If this keeps up, look for other tracks to raise their takeout very soon.


The fact that you started the thread and kept the issue going is a good thing. I sent your statistics to everyone on the planet including the CHRB and members of the media.

Good Job for bringing it up! :ThmbUp:

[Robert Goren]

It is california share of the total takeout dollars that matters. I can only guess at what that is, but it looks to me like they lost about $30,000 in the last 2 nights compared to last week.

[cj]

If this keeps up, the answer is obvious. Cali will have to raise takeout another 2% or more to make up for the losses.

[Valuist]

California racing is symptomatic of their economy as a whole. The state is in huge financial trouble and the state has sizeable outflows of people now. The decision to go all plastic for their dirt tracks was the death blow to an already shaky industry. I imagine we all can't wait to bet on another 5 horse field in Northern California.

[Seabiscuit@AR]

Did the Los Alamitos handle bounce back up with Santa Anita back on Saturday? Just having a look at the wagering totals at the bottom of the Equibase chart the 23rd vs 16th meetings look fairly similar in terms of handle. It is possible the drops at Los Alamitos the days before were in part due to Santa Anita being off

[Jeff P]

Higher Takeout Announced: Fri 1/15/2010
Higher Takeout Takes Effect: Thur 1/21/2010


------------- ------------- -------------
LOS AL HANDLE LOS AL HANDLE LOS AL HANDLE
@ NEW HIGHER @ OLD LOWER @ OLD LOWER
TAKEOUT RATES TAKEOUT RATES TAKEOUT RATES
------------- ------------- -------------
SAME WEEKDAY LAST WK SAME WEEKDAY LAST YR
Thurs 1/21/2010 Thurs 1/14/2010 Thurs 1/22/2009
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
On Track 63,313.00 80,074.00 106,160.00
ITW 146,660.00 205,150.00 186,637.00
ISW 366,958.00 481,777.00 441,356.00
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
TOTAL $576,931.00 $767,001.00 $734,153.00
SAME WEEKDAY LAST WK SAME WEEKDAY LAST YR
FRI 1/22/2010 FRI 1/15/2010 FRI 1/23/2009
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
On Track 95,713.00 132,357.00 145,491.00
ITW 215,185.00 249,447.00 311,219.00
ISW 529,385.00 643,707.00 707,587.00
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
TOTAL $840,283.00 $1,025,511.00 $1,164,297.00
SAME WEEKDAY LAST WK SAME WEEKDAY LAST YR
SAT 1/23/2010 SAT 1/16/2010 SAT 1/24/2009
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
On Track 131,741.00 119,934.00 158,402.00
ITW 244,073.00 243,543.00 336,883.00
ISW 619,987.00 645,966.00 673,550.00
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
TOTAL $995,801.00 $1,009,943.00 $1,168,835.00
------------- ------------- -------------
LOS AL HANDLE LOS AL HANDLE LOS AL HANDLE
@ NEW HIGHER @ OLD LOWER @ OLD LOWER
TAKEOUT RATES TAKEOUT RATES TAKEOUT RATES
------------- ------------- -------------

-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
TOTAL $2,413,015.00 $2,802,455.00 $3,067,285.00



-jp

.

[fmolf]

Only business in america where when demand goes down prices go up!

[lamboguy]

Only business in america where when demand goes down prices go up!
great point! god forbid they figure out that they have to improve their product and services befor they should get increase of already overcharged junk

[cj]

When the takeout is raised, isn't that actually only going to "help" the host track on wagers taken at the track?

I thought a deal was in place with the ADWs. For example, TVG agrees to pay 5% or whatever is in place. If I bet $2, isn't TVG sending 10 cents to the track and keeping the difference?

I wonder how many ADWs increased rebates when the take was raised. Or, do I have this all wrong?

I do realize drops on the handle will hurt of course.

[BillW]

When the takeout is raised, isn't that actually only going to "help" the host track on wagers taken at the track?

I thought a deal was in place with the ADWs. For example, TVG agrees to pay 5% or whatever is in place. If I bet $2, isn't TVG sending 10 cents to the track and keeping the difference?

I wonder how many ADWs increased rebates when the take was raised. Or, do I have this all wrong?

Yep, you're right as long as they don't up signal fees too.

[BlueShoe]

Starting this week, Los Al is dropping Thursday live racing until the first of April. Until then, Fri-Sat-Sun nights, just three live racing cards per week.

[rrbauer]

When the takeout is raised, isn't that actually only going to "help" the host track on wagers taken at the track?

I thought a deal was in place with the ADWs. For example, TVG agrees to pay 5% or whatever is in place. If I bet $2, isn't TVG sending 10 cents to the track and keeping the difference?

I wonder how many ADWs increased rebates when the take was raised. Or, do I have this all wrong?

I do realize drops on the handle will hurt of course.

In the case of Los Al with the 2-point increase, I understood that 1/2 was going to be retained by Los Al and 1/2 was going to the state's simulcast sites that were taking Los Al.

[rrbauer]

Starting this week, Los Al is dropping Thursday live racing until the first of April. Until then, Fri-Sat-Sun nights, just three live racing cards per week.

This is guaranteed to reduce handle.

[therussmeister]

Only business in america where when demand goes down prices go up!

Haven't used a payphone lately, have you?

[cj]

Haven't used a payphone lately, have you?

Used one? I haven't seen one in a decade.

[Indulto]

Is JP or anyone else still tracking the Los Alamitos handle?

[Jeff P]

I compared handle numbers from the charts for the same days of the week for the same week last year vs. the same days of the week for the same week this year.

Los Al ran cards on different days of the week this past week than they did for the same week last year. This makes a true apples to apples comparison tougher this week than than the one I posted last week.

Last year during the same week Los Al ran a Thurs night card but no Sun night card.

This year during the same week Los Al ran a Sun night card but no Thurs night card.

Los Al also ran fewer races on their same week Fri and Sat night cards this year than they did last year.

That said, here are the handle numbers involving the same days of the week for the same week last year vs. the same week this year:

2009
DATE OTW ITW ISW TOTAL
------------- ------- ------- ------- ---------
FRI 1/30/2009 175,179 352,512 735,640 1,263,331
SAT 1/31/2009 187,928 372,493 776,813 1,337,234
------------- ------- ------- ------- ---------
TOTALS 363,107 725,005 1,512,453 2,600,565

2010
DATE OTW ITW ISW TOTAL
------------- ------- ------- ------- ---------
FRI 1/29/2010 135,439 274,763 640,563 1,050,765
SAT 1/30/2010 129,152 272,613 648,392 1,050,157
------------- ------- ------- ------- ---------
TOTALS 264,591 547,376 1,288,955 2,100,922


On Track Handle was down (-27.1%) for the same dates.

Inter Track Handle was down (-24.5%) for the same dates.

Inter State Handle was down (-14.8%) for the same dates.

All Sources Handle was down (-19.2%) for the same dates.



An Open Letter to Los Alamitos Horseplayers

Last week HANA Pres Jeff Platt spoke at a CHRB meeting in opposition to a proposed 2% takeout increase at Los Alamitos. The CHRB Board, despite the evidence presented that an increase in takeout rates would have a negative impact on handle and revenues, decided to institute the raise. They also included a review process, where by the CHRB would from time to time review Los Alamitos handle numbers between now and Sept 8th, 2010, in order to monitor the effect of this takeout increase on handle.

If the handle numbers come back weak, and show that horseplayers are reacting negatively to this takeout increase, there is a high likelihood it will be rescinded. If the handle numbers come back unchanged, there is a high likelihood the takeout increase will be made permanent. It is also likely, in our opinion, that if Los Alamitos handle is strong, that other California tracks will follow suit with takeout raises of their own. We know this would have a very negative effect on you, as a horseplayer, and in return on California Racing as a whole.

You, as a Los Alamitos bettor, have a very big say in all of this. Each dollar bet at Los Alamitos is a vote for making the takeout increase permanent, and a vote towards seeing higher takeouts across California. Each dollar withheld from Los Alamitos is a vote towards rescinding this takeout increase, and discrediting the notion that racing's revenue problems can be solved by simply raising the price of an already overpriced product. You are in the enviable position to have a direct and measurable impact on the future of California racing, and to make a statement on behalf of horseplayers everywhere.

We ask you to consider these facts, and we trust that your actions and decisions will help to bring about a better and brighter future for this game.

Please pass this message on to fellow horseplayers everywhere.


Jeff Platt

President, HANA



HANA Sign Up Link:
http://www.jcapper.com/HANA/SignUp/HANASignUpForm.asp?source=0




.

[Indulto]

...
2009
DATE OTW ITW ISW TOTAL
------------- ------- ------- ------- ---------
FRI 1/30/2009 175,179 352,512 735,640 1,263,331
SAT 1/31/2009 187,928 372,493 776,813 1,337,234
------------- ------- ------- ------- ---------
TOTALS 363,107 725,005 1,512,453 2,600,565

2010
DATE OTW ITW ISW TOTAL
------------- ------- ------- ------- ---------
FRI 1/29/2010 135,439 274,763 640,563 1,050,765
SAT 1/30/2010 129,152 272,613 648,392 1,050,157
------------- ------- ------- ------- ---------
TOTALS 264,591 547,376 1,288,955 2,100,922


On Track Handle was down (-27.1%) for the same dates.

Inter Track Handle was down (-24.5%) for the same dates.

Inter State Handle was down (-14.8%) for the same dates. ...Thank you, JP. Your efforts seem to have made a difference.

[Jeff P]

Declining handle is only one symptom of a far greater problem.

I need to point out that while we at HANA are asking players to speak with their wallets, we are not the ones causing handle declines at Los Al.

Think Econ 101. Players are consumers. Consumers buy value. If you walk into a store to buy apples, you buy them because you want them and the price is something you are willing to pay. If the price is too high you walk out of the store and buy them somewhere else. Enough players have been unwillling to pay too steep of a price for too long and they are walking out of the store in numbers.

My goal through HANA isn't to try and chase customers away from the store. No. My goal through HANA is to point out to the people running the store that they are competing with other stores... that today's player is more aware than ever about his options... and that if you are willfully failing to satisfy customer needs and wants and willfully ignoring your own industry funded economic studies you are running your business into the ground.

My efforts through HANA will only make a difference when enough racing industry decision makers wake up and start changing the way that they act.


-jp

.

[Horseplayersbet.com]

Another analogy has to do with competitive forms of gambling. If you have a budget of $100 to buy groceries to feed a family of four, most of the time you will be drawn to No Frills Groceries over the more expensive grocery stores if your intention is to make sure you bought enough groceries.

Where does the $100 last the longest?

[cj]

I honestly think the game will have to be on the very brink of extinction before things turn around.

[Indulto]

Declining handle is only one symptom of a far greater problem.

I need to point out that while we at HANA are asking players to speak with their wallets, we are not the ones causing handle declines at Los Al.

Think Econ 101. Players are consumers. Consumers buy value. If you walk into a store to buy apples, you buy them because you want them and the price is something you are willing to pay. If the price is too high you walk out of the store and buy them somewhere else. Enough players have been unwillling to pay too steep of a price for too long and they are walking out of the store in numbers.

My goal through HANA isn't to try and chase customers away from the store. No. My goal through HANA is to point out to the people running the store that they are competing with other stores... that today's player is more aware than ever about his options... and that if you are willfully failing to satisfy customer needs and wants and willfully ignoring your own industry funded economic studies you are running your business into the ground.

My efforts through HANA will only make a difference when enough racing industry decision makers wake up and start changing the way that they act.


-jp

.I agree that a distinction is warranted between HANA's effectiveness at educating/organinzing/mobilizing players and obtaining the desired end results from such action.

Still, your personal efforts as well as those of Los Al regulars like poster Blue Shoe (and others here I'm not aware of) merits recognition. I do try to give credit when I think it's deserved, but just in case that makes you too uncomfortable, when will the rest of the survey results appear? ;)

[DeanT]

Gotta get that up sometime soon via a pdf. We have been so crazy with the AZ stuff and Cali stuff we have not released them in a blog series. My bad on that.

Cj,

I tend to agree, unfortunately.

PS: The AZ stuff is up on the HANA portion of the board, if anyone is interested. A little bit of progress there for horseplayers, thanks to Jeff. http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66346

[Indulto]

They haven't rescinded "Don't ask don't tell" yet have they? ;):lol:

"Let love and friendship on that day,
Hurrah, hurrah!
Their choicest pleasures then display,
Hurrah, hurrah!
And let each one perform some part,
To fill with joy the warrior's heart,
And we'll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home"

[andymays]

:lol:

"Let love and friendship on that day,
Hurrah, hurrah!
Their choicest pleasures then display,
Hurrah, hurrah!
And let each one perform some part,
To fill with joy the warrior's heart,
And we'll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home"


Leave it to you to get it before I deleted my comment in the interest of giving Dean a break.

Sorry Dean. I tried!

[Stillriledup]

I see tvg is giving an 'increased rebate' on Los Al races. Whatever 'triple points' means, they're giving.

That's genius, raise the takeout, give that raise back in rebate and at the end of the day, the handle dropoff won't look as bad as it might have looked in the long run.

[Southieboy]

Los Alamitos Race Course has announced that the track will not race on Easter Sunday, April 24.
http://www.aqha.com/en/Racing/News-Arti ... -Card.aspx (http://www.aqha.com/en/Racing/News-Articles/Los-Alamitos-Drops-Easter-Sunday-Card.aspx)