CDI sues Texas

[raybo]

CDI has filed suit against the Texas Racing Commission, regarding the internet gambling laws which make it illegal for any wagering activity, other than "in person" at a track or simulcasting location, saying it violates the U.S. Constitution. The TRC's own by laws state that if a Commission ruling is at odds with the Constitution, the Commission must adhere to the Constitution.

This law is obviously un-Constitutional and the fact that the Commission has never enforced the law, against a Texas resident, only substantiates CDI's contention that the law is both un-Constitutional and violates interstate commerce laws.

Maybe this will make the Commission, and the state, take a more serious look at what they have tried to do, force all wagering to be made at a track or a simulcasting facility, whether wagering on in-state tracks or out of state tracks.

Here's the link:http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73037/cdi-files-suit-over-texas-wagering-rules

[Dave Schwartz]

An old client of mine from Texas actually defended a guy who was arrested as a bookmaker for taking like $70 worth of bets to LAD from Texas. He was arrested with a pocketful of "betting slips." (i.e. instructions: bet $10 on #4, etc)

He eventually got the thing pleaded (??) down to a misdemeanor but the guy was barred from TX tracks for life.

I swear this is totally true to my knowledge!

[mannyberrios]

Go get em, CDI

[raybo]

An old client of mine from Texas actually defended a guy who was arrested as a bookmaker for taking like $70 worth of bets to LAD from Texas. He was arrested with a pocketful of "betting slips." (i.e. instructions: bet $10 on #4, etc)

He eventually got the thing pleaded (??) down to a misdemeanor but the guy was barred from TX tracks for life.

I swear this is totally true to my knowledge!

Yeah, there have always been bookmakers in Texas, just a call away, and when caught they are prosecuted. But, Texas is a true "gambler's" state, always has been, always will be. It's also full of religious fanatics wanting to tell everyone else what's right and what's wrong, and there are enough of them to garner quite a bit of political weight. But, people's rights, under the U.S. Constitution, are still people's rights, even in Texas.

I seem to remember, in the Old Testament, a man being commended for increasing his wealth through gambling. After all money is just money, we earn it, we ought to be able to spend it any way we want.

[Robert Goren]

I wonder why CDI chose Texas. There are plenty of states that ban internet betting on horse racing. In fact there is bunch that betting on horse racing period. As much as I would like to see CDI win this suit, I doubt that they will.The State Rights groups will out in force supporting Texas.

[raybo]

I wonder why CDI chose Texas. There are plenty of states that ban internet betting on horse racing. In fact there is bunch that betting on horse racing period. As much as I would like to see CDI win this suit, I doubt that they will.The State Rights groups will out in force supporting Texas.

Money! I tried, in another thread, to let people know how much money in Texas is spent on gambling, but obviously nobody believed me. Well, it seems that CDI has experienced the results of many ADWs banning Texas members, due to the state's law on internet gambling. Seems apparent that losing all that Texas money in the pools is hurting their bottom line more than the other states with similar laws. I'm sure the fact that the TRC's own bylaws state that they must default to the U.S. Constitution regarding conflicts, made Texas a more vulnerable target, also.

As I said, Texas is a huge gambling state (just ask Doyle Brunson and those old time poker players from that group), and has been forever, it's just that the state has, more often than not, decided that they could force the opinions of the "holier than thou" segment on everyone else here.

Real Texans, not the "wanna bes" don't care much for government, and the previously mentioned segment, telling us what we can do with our hard earned money. We pay our taxes just like they do, that oughta be enough.

[precocity]

exactly rabo don't want to lose that money from texas and like I stated in another thread if you go to louisiana all the casinos is full of texas license plates on the cars when you park. now closer to texas is oklahoma that has 2 casinos about 1 hour drive same thing nothing but texans gambling every where? I think lone star park has warmed out its welcome because real gamblers want to bet on real tracks not 7500 claimers. that's why a lot of real horse player that live in texas bet twin spires and best believe they don't want to lose that money..haha bible belt my azz texans will bet on to poodles running down the street :lol: and yes I live in dallas tx!!!!!

[raybo]

exactly rabo don't want to lose that money from texas and like I stated in another thread if you go to louisiana all the casinos is full of texas license plates on the cars when you park. now closer to texas is oklahoma that has 2 casinos about 1 hour drive same thing nothing but texans gambling every where? I think lone star park has warmed out its welcome because real gamblers want to bet on real tracks not 7500 claimers. that's why a lot of real horse player that live in texas bet twin spires and best believe they don't want to lose that money..haha bible belt my azz texans will bet on to poodles running down the street :lol: and yes I live in dallas tx!!!!!

True! If it wasn't for Texas gambling money, there wouldn't be any tracks left in Louisiana, or Oklahoma, in my opinion. Maybe no casinos either. Guess they'd go to Mexico next, huh?

Yeah, I used to live closer to Grand Prairie/Lone Star Park, but moved to Cedar Creek Lake (Gun Barrel City) several years ago, to retire where living is cheaper (a lot cheaper), 80 miles to Lone Star is not a viable option for me. Texas is a very large state, there are, literally, many hundreds of thousands of Texas gamblers that live too far from 1 of the 3 thoroughbred tracks in the state to justify making the trip more than once or twice a year. Texas, and every other track in the country is missing out on many millions of Texas dollars every year.

[ceejay]

This law is obviously un-Constitutional and the fact that the Commission has never enforced the law, against a Texas resident, only substantiates CDI's contention that the law is both un-Constitutional and violates interstate commerce laws.

I am not a constitutional lawyer. Are you?

It seems to me that I that the current Supreme Court has effectively gutted the commerce clause. Considering that there is precedence for gambling regulation on the state level and the 10th amendment unfortunately I'm not so sure that this law would be found unConstitutional

[precocity]

cee jay and mr P.A . DONT THINK IM B.S. I LIVE IN TEXAS AND USE T.S. AND GOT a CALL from a person IN THE KNOW! don't know how it will play out but they are willing to go all the way to the supreme court if that's what it takes? and please don't ask my source! and a side note to legalise par mutual racing for texas residents to bet on texas tracks.will see.

[RainMan]

What is a realistic timeframe for a case like this to work its way through the system? Or, what is the soonest that a decision could be reached or an agreement worked out between TS and TX.

[raybo]

What is a realistic time frame for a case like this to work its way through the system? Or, what is the soonest that a decision could be reached or an agreement worked out between TS and TX.

Who knows? The state of Texas may fold early, knowing that they are actually wrong regarding the Constitution, and that they will likely lose, if CDI is serious in their threatening to take it all the way to the Supreme Court.

On the other hand, if they suspect that CDI will not stay with it, they might just try to draw it out hoping CDI will give up eventually.

This whole thing can become a huge mess very easily, as it has far reaching implications. Hard to say how long the process will take, or what the final outcome will be.

My personal opinion, is that Texas knows they are wrong, but figures nobody will challenge them on Constitutional grounds and stay the, very costly, course all the way to the Supreme Court. So, I don't expect anything to be resolved soon, one way or the other.

I can wait, I'll just keep boycotting all Texas tracks, and keep betting, through my ADW, on out of state tracks.

[mannyberrios]

I wonder why CDI chose Texas. There are plenty of states that ban internet betting on horse racing. In fact there is bunch that betting on horse racing period. As much as I would like to see CDI win this suit, I doubt that they will.The State Rights groups will out in force supporting Texas.
What ever!

[raybo]

States rights groups be damned. If the law violates the U.S. Constitution, and, the TRC's own by laws say that they must yield to the U.S. Constitution, they have a very uphill battle in front of them.

[JustRalph]

Being new to North Texas, this "wanna be" Texan wishes them luck.

I'm 35 miles from Lonestar. Planning to check it out soon

[lsbets]

There are two groups who plow tons of money into Texas politics to block gambling. The first is the religious groups, the second are the casinos just across the border. The most influential group is the tribe that owns Winstar. They also own Lonestar Park now. They do not want ADW betting in Texas. Wonder why all of a sudden Texas cracked down on ADWs? Our governor ran for President. He got a small fortune in donations from the Chickasaw. The Chickasaw own Winstar Casino (the second largest in the world, in the middle of nowhere, but just on the other side of the Texas border) and Lonestar Park. They have bought the best governor money can buy in Rick Perry.

[Wagergirl]

I am listening to the CSR's around me. If someone from Texas calls in, the have to shut down their accounts. :-( Stupid for sure. But we are not going out and pulling all accts from Texas to shut them down (yet). That might change.

[raybo]

I am listening to the CSR's around me. If someone from Texas calls in, the have to shut down their accounts. :-( Stupid for sure. But we are not going out and pulling all accts from Texas to shut them down (yet). That might change.

Yeah, my 2 ADWs are taking that approach. As long as you were already a member, from Texas, and you just mind your own business, you can keep on betting. But, no new Texas members are being accepted by either of them.

So, I'm keeping a very low profile, other than to praise their service, of course! ;)

[raybo]

Being new to North Texas, this "wanna be" Texan wishes them luck.

I'm 35 miles from Lonestar. Planning to check it out soon

Lone Star is a very nice venue, but like many other tracks, they try to milk you with parking fees, entrance fees, programs, food and drink, individual TV consoles in the simulcast building, takeout, etc., etc..

I doubt I will ever visit any Texas track again. If I can't bet online, I'll either leave the state, or, I'll just quit playing the races and play more golf. It's that simple.

[Tom]

Certainly sounds to me like the only good guys in gambling are the bookies.

Amazing how the money brings all of the politicians out from under the refrigerators.

Too bad Texas pols don't represent their citizens, but no state does, really.

Good luck CDI, even thought they are maggots themselves.

[ElKabong]

Lone Star is a very nice venue, but like many other tracks, they try to milk you with parking fees, entrance fees, programs, food and drink, individual TV consoles in the simulcast building, takeout, etc., etc..

I doubt I will ever visit any Texas track again. If I can't bet online, I'll either leave the state, or, I'll just quit playing the races and play more golf. It's that simple.

Sounds like it's been awhile since you've darkened the door of the Whorehouse @ GP...Good for you!

For simo, no parking or admission fees. Live racing charges for admission, but not the Pavillion.

When the injuns took over they made the following changes>

spiffied up the joint a bit
added a "lounge" type of area w/ tables and monitors (dislike that greatly)
BIG negatives below
no more concession stand. It's all waitress driven, over priced fare. Food is good, but expensive. Want a tea or coke? Gotta wait for a waitress, comes at a price
Smoke is as bad as before
Very limited space
Stupid Sports Bar - smoky as hell, takes awhile if you want to order a beer....UFC is on the big screen most the time.

Overall they did a poor job, the long time employees told me they were not consulted by the new mngmnt.

I've been back this Fall once for QH racing, will go back when Los Al races become full again - usually mid Nov. But the place really is a disappointment.

[ElKabong]

I am listening to the CSR's around me. If someone from Texas calls in, the have to shut down their accounts. :-( Stupid for sure. But we are not going out and pulling all accts from Texas to shut them down (yet). That might change.

Wwhich ADW do you work for??

[ElKabong]

cee jay and mr P.A . DONT THINK IM B.S. I LIVE IN TEXAS AND USE T.S. AND GOT a CALL from a person IN THE KNOW! don't know how it will play out but they are willing to go all the way to the supreme court if that's what it takes? and please don't ask my source! and a side note to legalise par mutual racing for texas residents to bet on texas tracks.will see.

about 12 yrs ago Ladbrokes took the same stance. Texas AG did the same rain dance about ADW being illegal here, lot of sheepish ADW's closed down here.

I called Ladbrokes (12 yrs ago), I'll never forget the lady named Shirl. She told me they were standing firm, their lawyers knew the Texas law and were not closing shop here

Fast fwd 2 yrs.....Ladbrokes was bought out by Stronach, who wanted to buy LS....one of the stipulations the TXRC made for the purchase of LS was for Stronach's Xpressbet to pull out of TX...That happened post-haste. The day the paper had the headline of the LS sale we all got our notification from Xpressbet of checks being in the mail, accts closed

It's all a game...nothing more (shrug)

[precocity]

about 12 yrs ago Ladbrokes took the same stance. Texas AG did the same rain dance about ADW being illegal here, lot of sheepish ADW's closed down here.

I called Ladbrokes (12 yrs ago), I'll never forget the lady named Shirl. She told me they were standing firm, their lawyers knew the Texas law and were not closing shop here

Fast fwd 2 yrs.....Ladbrokes was bought out by Stronach, who wanted to buy LS....one of the stipulations the TXRC made for the purchase of LS was for Stronach's Xpressbet to pull out of TX...That happened post-haste. The day the paper had the headline of the LS sale we all got our notification from Xpressbet of checks being in the mail, accounts closed

It's all a game...nothing more (shrug)
yep I remember that but that was a texas ADW, why is TP accepting bets on texas tracks if you reside outside of texas? but if you live in texas you can not bet on texas tracks . so the texas tracks and horseman are still getting paid from out of state wagers. hopefully they can come to some sort of deal. don't make no sense of how much money there losing by doing that.

[precocity]

yep I remember that but that was a texas ADW, why is TP accepting bets on texas tracks if you reside outside of texas? but if you live in texas you can not bet on texas tracks . so the texas tracks and horseman are still getting paid from out of state wagers. hopefully they can come to some sort of deal. don't make no sense of how much money there losing by doing that.
no I was wrong about landbroke I thought it was that mule track outside of fortworth tx. forgot that track name before lonestar shut them down..

[ElKabong]

trinity meadows

[precocity]

trinity meadows
exactly right.. one of the first race tracks when they legalise it in texas..

[raybo]

exactly right.. one of the first race tracks when they legalise it in texas..

There has not been racing at Trinity Meadows in decades. There are only 3 tracks in Texas where racing takes place, Lone Star, Sam Houston, and Retama.

[ElKabong]

There has not been racing at Trinity Meadows in decades. There are only 3 tracks in Texas where racing takes place, Lone Star, Sam Houston, and Retama.

Trinity Meadows last raced in 1996.

Gillespie Fair also has a small meet. Probably not carried by your ADW but they do run down there.

[Robert Goren]

Certainly sounds to me like the only good guys in gambling are the bookies.

Amazing how the money brings all of the politicians out from under the refrigerators.

Too bad Texas pols don't represent their citizens, but no state does, really.

Good luck CDI, even thought they are maggots themselves.If they put the issue to a vote of the people, how do you think the voters of Texas vote?

[raybo]

Trinity Meadows last raced in 1996.

Gillespie Fair also has a small meet. Probably not carried by your ADW but they do run down there.

Agreed, Trinity Meadows, at Willow Park, closed after Lone Star opened.

Yes, Gillespie Fair has a small meet, 3 or 4 weekends I believe.

Manor Downs, near Austin, ran as a Class 2 track for a short time after paramutuel racing was legalized, but closed down in 2010 because they were consistently losing money.

[raybo]

If they put the issue to a vote of the people, how do you think the voters of Texas vote?

Texas voters voted in paramutuel wagering before, on economic grounds. I haven't seen a huge improvement in the economic picture since that time, so I tend to think it would pass again.

The problem here is that when it was passed the first time, the revenue was supposed to be earmarked, primarily, for education. But, like Social Security and what was supposed to happen with that money, that revenue was grabbed by the state government and used for anything it wanted. So, that fact, if bought back to light, might cause a vote to go the other way.

I suspect a vote would be quite close, either way.

[precocity]

Texas voters voted in paramutuel wagering before, on economic grounds. I haven't seen a huge improvement in the economic picture since that time, so I tend to think it would pass again.

The problem here is that when it was passed the first time, the revenue was supposed to be earmarked, primarily, for education. But, like Social Security and what was supposed to happen with that money, that revenue was grabbed by the state government and used for anything it wanted. So, that fact, if bought back to light, might cause a vote to go the other way.

I suspect a vote would be quite close, either way.

funny and rick perry says we have 8 billion in the rainy day fund.. :rolleyes:

[raybo]

funny and rick perry says we have 8 billion in the rainy day fund.. :rolleyes:

That's right, the rainy day fund hasn't been touched for years, it just sits there, "for a rainy day". I wonder what Perry considers a rainy day. My fear is that either he or his cronies have a plan for that money, they are just waiting for the right time to spring it. You cannot give government money, to be "saved" for emergencies, IMO. They will never use it for emergencies, they will wait until the timing is right, so they can convince the public that that money would be better spent on something they want to use it for.

[ElKabong]

Robert,

No way Austin will bore the populace with a Y or N vote on ADW wagering. It's handled as an executive decision within Austin. No one outside handicappers give a crap about it, and that includes 90% of the horsemen. It's a non-issue to 99% of TX voters.

People did vote in pari-mutuel wagering here, and like Raybo said it was supposed to have a % go to the education programs. But as I recall it was the Texas Lotto that got the attention, racing was an afterthought. Lotto was where the $$ was...and is. I'd be shocked if TX made any fair profit off racing here for its live product.

For simulcasting there's some $ to be made, but we'll see casinos (BIG DOG) here before the ADW issue (little dog) is fully addressed. And I don't see casinos here till we have a bad economic downturn to recoup $$

JMO

[precocity]

Robert,

No way Austin will bore the populace with a Y or N vote on ADW wagering. It's handled as an executive decision within Austin. No one outside handicappers give a crap about it, and that includes 90% of the horsemen. It's a non-issue to 99% of TX voters.

People did vote in pari-mutuel wagering here, and like Raybo said it was supposed to have a % go to the education programs. But as I recall it was the Texas Lotto that got the attention, racing was an afterthought. Lotto was where the $$ was...and is. I'd be shocked if TX made any fair profit off racing here for its live product.

For simulcasting there's some $ to be made, but we'll see casinos (BIG DOG) here before the ADW issue (little dog) is fully addressed. And I don't see casinos here till we have a bad economic downturn to recoup $$

JMO
GREAT POSt VERY TRUE!!!!!

[Lasix67]

I am about to move to Texas, can someone tell me what to expect as I have several ADW accounts. Will I still be able to use them to wager on tracks outside of the state such as Fair Grounds, Saratoga, Santa Anita, etc. ?

[Wagergirl]

I know several ADW's are closing Texas accounts today. We had hoped that we could grandfather our accts in. Opening no new accts but keeping the ones that were already active. We recieved word that we have to close all active accts.

[raybo]

I am about to move to Texas, can someone tell me what to expect as I have several ADW accounts. Will I still be able to use them to wager on tracks outside of the state such as Fair Grounds, Saratoga, Santa Anita, etc. ?

Just don't tell any of your ADWs that you have moved. If you alert them they may close your account. For example, I have had a Twinspires account for a long time, but other Texas residents have tried to open new accounts with them and have been declined because they reside in Texas, while I am still able to wager there. So, "mum" is the word.

[Wagergirl]

^^:ThmbUp:

[Robert Goren]

I am about to move to Texas, can someone tell me what to expect as I have several ADW accounts. Will I still be able to use them to wager on tracks outside of the state such as Fair Grounds, Saratoga, Santa Anita, etc. ? I know that the Texas posters here are hoping against hope that they will be able continue to bet. Realistically the answer will be soon be no if not isn't already. You might want to rethink your plans to move to Texas if betting the horses over the internet is important to you.

[Lasix67]

Just don't tell any of your ADWs that you have moved. If you alert them they may close your account. For example, I have had a Twinspires account for a long time, but other Texas residents have tried to open new accounts with them and have been declined because they reside in Texas, while I am still able to wager there. So, "mum" is the word.

What about my change of address?

[raybo]

What about my change of address?

Not sure, but if it were me, I would not tell any of my ADWs of the move. If you make deposits with the ADWs and receive your withdrawals from them via a bank/bankcard, I would keep that account open where you are now, and keep making deposits via that card/bank account. I would not update anything with the ADW. I would act as if I had never moved at all, as far as what the ADWs know. If you make deposits or withdrawals in any other way, now, and that method is going to reflect a change of address/state of residence, etc., then you might want to use a method that can remain exactly the same after the move as it is now. Like, using a current bank account and bank card, because you can still access that account no matter where you actually live, and that account reflects your current residence, leave it like that.

Act like you're only on vacation in another state, the ADWs should never know, unless you tell them. Leave a forwarding address for snail mail, at your local post office, in case they send mail to your current address, but try to have them go "paperless" with your correspondence if at all possible, form 1099 etc..

[Lasix67]

Not sure, but if it were me, I would not tell any of my ADWs of the move. If you make deposits with the ADWs and receive your withdrawals from them via a bank/bankcard, I would keep that account open where you are now, and keep making deposits via that card/bank account. I would not update anything with the ADW. I would act as if I had never moved at all, as far as what the ADWs know. If you make deposits or withdrawals in any other way, now, and that method is going to reflect a change of address/state of residence, etc., then you might want to use a method that can remain exactly the same after the move as it is now. Like, using a current bank account and bank card, because you can still access that account no matter where you actually live, and that account reflects your current residence, leave it like that.

Act like you're only on vacation in another state, the ADWs should never know, unless you tell them. Leave a forwarding address for snail mail, at your local post office, in case they send mail to your current address, but try to have them go "paperless" with your correspondence if at all possible, form 1099 etc..

Thanks, I think I'm good then because I use ezmoney from checking acct of bank that is also in Texas.

[ElKabong]

Welcome to Texas, Lasix :)

[RainMan]

Any realistic timeframe or guesses on how long it takes for this mess to work its way through the legal system? BTW is TwinSpires still taking wagers from Texas.

[raybo]

Any realistic timeframe or guesses on how long it takes for this mess to work its way through the legal system? BTW is TwinSpires still taking wagers from Texas.

I don't know, I haven't wagered through TS since before the new law. I use another ADW that is owned and operated by players and has rebates. Although they have a more limited selection of tracks, they carry most of the tracks I am interested in. I will probably find out soon, as TS carries OP and my other ADW doesn't. I'm just going to play dumb, try to place a wager and see if they take it.

[precocity]

they still take mine :cool:

[raybo]

they still take mine :cool:

That's cool! I think the ones who get shut down are the ones that give them a reason for an ADW employee to take a look at their residence.

[so.cal.fan]

People who live in Texas should be allowed to bet everywhere with TVG or Xpress Bet, BRIS or any other legitimate business.

Not everyone in Texas lives near Lonestar. Last I recall, Texas is a rather spacious place!
It seems Lone Star would do well to encourage betting ADW. Folks might be more inclined to want to visit the track when they run live.
I've never been to Lone Star but from what I hear from my good friends there, Lone Star doesn't get huge crowds?
I always thought years ago that if Texas ever legalized racing and put a track between Dallas and Fort Worth....they would do very well.
What happened?
This said, we aren't exactly doing bang up business in California, but that's another issue.... :( :bang:

[RainMan]

Lone Star actually gets some decent crowds for both T-bred and Q-horses due to the fact there are now 6 million people in the MetroPlex. However, Texas has never embraced the sport and most real horseplayers shun the place. Conservative Texas politicians do not support gambling in any form so internet wagering will continue to be a gray area unless the courts rule differently which is doubtful.

[Robert Goren]

I thought for sure when Texas legalised horse racing, they would soon have the number 3 circuit behind NY and S.Cal. It shows that even I can be wrong on rare occasions.:rolleyes:

[so.cal.fan]

I thought so, too, Robert.
From what I understand from my friends who live in the Dallas area, that Lone Star management is not good to regular customers, they do a lot of things which make people feel like they aren't even welcome to attend.
I've heard this complaint from three different men, independent opinions.
All had different complaints, but they all indicated Lone Star is not patron friendly.
Two of these men are big bettors. Not a good report. It's no wonder Lone Star has slipped in attendance.

[ranchwest]

Being new to North Texas, this "wanna be" Texan wishes them luck.

I'm 35 miles from Lonestar. Planning to check it out soon

Proceed with caution.

[ranchwest]

I thought so, too, Robert.
From what I understand from my friends who live in the Dallas area, that Lone Star management is not good to regular customers, they do a lot of things which make people feel like they aren't even welcome to attend.
I've heard this complaint from three different men, independent opinions.
All had different complaints, but they all indicated Lone Star is not patron friendly.
Two of these men are big bettors. Not a good report. It's no wonder Lone Star has slipped in attendance.

Lone Star has always been operated as an entertainment facility. The public understands that as an entertainment facility Lone Star does not offer good value.

[ElKabong]

I'll add this much....The current situation is far better for simulcast than it was 2 years ago. The only thing I miss is the old concession stand. The food now is via waitress only, and is 2x more costly.

But, the admission to the (simo) pavillion is free nowdays, carrels still cost $3 if you want one. The criminal element that was there, is pretty much gone. The new mngmnt has run the thugs off. It's a more enjoyable experience nowdays.

That said, they're still in "the entertainment" business. One visit to the pavillion will prove it out - they promote the bar far more than the racing

Live racing here is dead. Bad horses, shitty location. No slots hurt, but you have to think with an aggressive horseman and horseplayer friendly management from the get-go, this would have been a live meet given they re-schedule it in the Fall perhaps. There was a LOT of excitement when the place opened, no doubt. But they were unfriendly towards the everyday player & lost their chance at success

But as is, the simo $$ is where they clean up. They've always drawn large crowds for simulcast on weekends

[raybo]

I'll add this much....The current situation is far better for simulcast than it was 2 years ago. The only thing I miss is the old concession stand. The food now is via waitress only, and is 2x more costly.

But, the admission to the (simo) pavillion is free nowdays, carrels still cost $3 if you want one. The criminal element that was there, is pretty much gone. The new mngmnt has run the thugs off. It's a more enjoyable experience nowdays.

That said, they're still in "the entertainment" business. One visit to the pavillion will prove it out - they promote the bar far more than the racing

Live racing here is dead. Bad horses, shitty location. No slots hurt, but you have to think with an aggressive horseman and horseplayer friendly management from the get-go, this would have been a live meet given they re-schedule it in the Fall perhaps. There was a LOT of excitement when the place opened, no doubt. But they were unfriendly towards the everyday player & lost their chance at success

But as is, the simo $$ is where they clean up. They've always drawn large crowds for simulcast on weekends

Yeah that simo building was pure chaos many times, standing room only, drunks, blonds looking for a high roller, drunks, etc.. That building ran me off from the track, haven't been ther for several years now. I told the TRC commissioner in an email discussion that he might want to try to get with his cronies and try to get rid of the anti-internet laws, or start looking for a new job, as the tracks are headed for ruin, and without tracks in the state, who needs a commissioner, or a racing commission? Never got a reply to that one. :lol:

[Lasix67]

What a shame that if I want I can't play from the comforts of my home. Damn shame.

[raybo]

What a shame that if I want I can't play from the comforts of my home. Damn shame.

Yeah, it's a shame, and it's also corrupt.

Not only do they want you to bet your money so they can get their cut, they want you to pay for the right to give them their cut. Sounds like a classic scam to me.

[MPRanger]

And tell CDI Texans want sports betting too as long as they're at it.

[RainMan]

Gov. Rick Perry has announced he is not running for re-election. This should help Texas horseplayers in three ways.

1) Maybe this eventually leads to legal on-line wagering in Texas.
2) Possibility of a pro-gambling Governor to take over and stop Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico from siphoning off billions of Texas gambling dollars.
3) Uh, I don't know - I can't remember the third one - uh oh.

[raybo]

Gov. Rick Perry has announced he is not running for re-election. This should help Texas horseplayers in three ways.

1) Maybe this eventually leads to legal on-line wagering in Texas.
2) Possibility of a pro-gambling Governor to take over and stop Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico from siphoning off billions of Texas gambling dollars.
3) Uh, I don't know - I can't remember the third one - uh oh.

While I would be overjoyed by Perry not running for re-election, I doubt anything positive will happen in the online gambling arena. Texas government, like the federal government, is not controlled by the head of government. Until there is a sizable shift in the other government office holders, and until those "others" stop getting paid to vote the way special interest groups want them to vote, things will continue down the same path.

[cj]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80867/twinspirescom-suspends-taking-bets-in-texas

[thaskalos]

Democracy at its finest... :rolleyes:

[Robert Goren]

While I would be overjoyed by Perry not running for re-election, I doubt anything positive will happen in the online gambling arena. Texas government, like the federal government, is not controlled by the head of government. Until there is a sizable shift in the other government office holders, and until those "others" stop getting paid to vote the way special interest groups want them to vote, things will continue down the same path. Politics 101 If you don't like what the government does, you have to out bid the other side. I know this is not what they teach in school, but in the USA, it has always been that way.

[raybo]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80867/twinspirescom-suspends-taking-bets-in-texas

That was just a matter of time. I felt "lucky" that TS had continued to accept my wagers. This Texas law was the reason that I stopped supporting Texas tracks and have been promoting a nationwide ban on betting into Texas track pools.

I have one ADW left, when that one turns me away, my race wagering will cease. I will not bet any track in the US, live or otherwise. That will be it for me, there are other ways to make money through investments.

Do they really think I'm going to travel 80+ miles to the closest track, just to make a few wagers? :bang:

[vince]

Which ADW is it, I need another option as well. Thanks.

[raybo]

Which ADW is it, I need another option as well. Thanks.

I can give it to you in a PM, but they are no longer accepting new Texas members. Existing Texas members can still wager there, at least for now anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if they follow TS's action though.

[ElKabong]

this is going to pretty much drive me out of betting simulcast eventually. I'll find other stuff to do...I guess for me it's live racing at LS from Apr thru early July, then drive to LaD in August and Sept one day per weekend

Amazing how an industry can run off business.

It'll be interesting also to see if LS simo pavillion brings in more business b/c of the TS action to close down here. My guess is it might short term, but people tend to lose interest if they aren't able to be regularly.

[johnhannibalsmith]

...

Do they really think I'm going to travel 80+ miles to the closest track, just to make a few wagers? :bang:

Hey, why not? This concept has been working great in Arizona for the last half-decade!

Oh wait, no it hasn't.

Texas, the only racing jurisdiction dumber than Arizona. Stand tall.

[precocity]

We regret to inform you that, as a result of an adverse court ruling in Texas, TwinSpires.com is suspending wagering activity from Texas residents effective immediately. The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas upheld a Texas law requiring residents of Texas who desire to wager on horseraces to wager in person at a Texas racetrack. The court's ruling was in response to a lawsuit TwinSpires.com filed in September 2012.

While the accounts of Texas residents will remain open, wagering activity will be disabled and TwinSpires.com will be mailing customers a check for any remaining account balance in the next 48 hours. You will still be able to access racing information, live race video, race replays, and Brisnet handicapping information.

We have filed an appeal and are optimistic that our legal arguments will prevail and residents of Texas, like residents in other states, will be allowed to wager on TwinSpires.com. In the meantime, however, we must respect the court's decision. We apologize for the inconvenience as we truly appreciate serving your account wagering needs.

If you have any questions, please contact us via email at players.services@twinspires.com or call 877-SPIRES-1.

Sincerely,

TwinSpires.com Team

well thats it for me! :bang:

[raybo]

Hey, why not? This concept has been working great in Arizona for the last half-decade!

Oh wait, no it hasn't.

Texas, the only racing jurisdiction dumber than Arizona. Stand tall.

Agree! In a state that is 800 miles wide, I'm one of the lucky ones, to live within only 100 miles of a track. :lol:

[raybo]

We regret to inform you that, as a result of an adverse court ruling in Texas, TwinSpires.com is suspending wagering activity from Texas residents effective immediately. The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas upheld a Texas law requiring residents of Texas who desire to wager on horseraces to wager in person at a Texas racetrack. The court's ruling was in response to a lawsuit TwinSpires.com filed in September 2012.

While the accounts of Texas residents will remain open, wagering activity will be disabled and TwinSpires.com will be mailing customers a check for any remaining account balance in the next 48 hours. You will still be able to access racing information, live race video, race replays, and Brisnet handicapping information.

We have filed an appeal and are optimistic that our legal arguments will prevail and residents of Texas, like residents in other states, will be allowed to wager on TwinSpires.com. In the meantime, however, we must respect the court's decision. We apologize for the inconvenience as we truly appreciate serving your account wagering needs.

If you have any questions, please contact us via email at players.services@twinspires.com or call 877-SPIRES-1.

Sincerely,

TwinSpires.com Team

well thats it for me! :bang:

Yeah, I tried to place a bet today just to see if I could -- no go.

[precocity]

yep about to call got 268,000 player points! :confused:

[garyscpa]

Attached is the transcript of the decision.

[precocity]

yep about to call got 268,000 player points! :confused:
TSC Elite points! check is on the way and the 87$ I HAD IN THERE!!!!! AT LEAST TS IS DOING THE RIGHT THING.

[Mr Saratoga]

I recently spoke with Ts customer service, and the check is on its way.
Are there any worthwhile offshore ADWs since none in the US want to buck the Texas law.
I can just about buy a handgun at the corner drugstore, but they won't let me bet a $2.00 DD online?
THINK ABOUT IT.

[JustRalph]

I recently spoke with Ts customer service, and the check is on its way.
Are there any worthwhile offshore ADWs since none in the US want to buck the Texas law.
I can just about buy a handgun at the corner drugstore, but they won't let me bet a $2.00 DD online?
THINK ABOUT IT.

What's the address of the drugstore?