Racino's in Minnesota....not for 10 years

[precisionk]

In my homestate of Minnesota, there has been the constant debate and ongoing battle between the local tribes and Canterbury Park. Getting slots into Canterbury Park has been a hot topic for quite a few years. Well, no longer is that topic a concern to either CBY or the local tribes.

Essentially, the local tribes paid Canterbury Park to shut their mouths about putting in a racino for 10 years. Here are the highlights:

Highlights of the agreement include:


Substantially increased purses for live races during Canterbury Park’s race seasons through a purse enhancement program funded by the SMSC, a commitment totaling approximately $75 million over the life of the agreement.


New joint marketing opportunities between Canterbury Park and SMSC’s Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, taking advantage of their proximity to one another in the southwest corner of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, including annual payments to Canterbury Park for joint marketing totaling $8.5 million over these ten years.


This will hopefully return Canterbury Park to its former glory back in the 80's. Should see alot more stakes races there....maybe.

Here is the link if you want to read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57447076/canterbury-indian-tribe-in-no-racino-agreement/

[Track Phantom]

Absolutely huge for the track.

I was at CBY consistently from late '86 until I moved to Texas in 2004. I still follow it closely here.

I've always been somewhat saddened by the decline in racing and many of us that have followed it reminisce about the "glory days" of the 1980's when they had a prominent racing footprint.

I lived through failed marketing attempts like having a clown, juggler and mime walk through a near empty grandstand to try to create some excitement (never in my life have I seen anything more pathetic).

Hope this works the way it is laid out.

[precisionk]

Absolutely huge for the track.

I was at CBY consistently from late '86 until I moved to Texas in 2004. I still follow it closely here.

I've always been somewhat saddened by the decline in racing and many of us that have followed it reminisce about the "glory days" of the 1980's when they had a prominent racing footprint.

I lived through failed marketing attempts like having a clown, juggler and mime walk through a near empty grandstand to try to create some excitement (never in my life have I seen anything more pathetic).

Hope this works the way it is laid out.

Now I wager at both Running Aces and CBY. This deal is only for CBY, which I understand why. Now it would be interesting if RA takes up the fight since CBY can't and see if they can't get a similar deal.

[davew]

MRC (Minnesota Racing Commission) still needs to approve the deal.

The track and card room had to close last year for a few weeks while the state workers were ??? during budget talks.

It seems like a no-brainer, but....

[precisionk]

Can't imagine why they wouldn't since they are basically getting money for not bring up the Racino again. Then again, MRC has done some stupid things in the past.