Why aren't Programs Free?
 

I'm not talking about the hard copies, but the pdf files. I just can't understand, when the sport is in such dire need of fans and bettors, that we insist on charging customers for pdf files. I can understand an actual hard copy, the printing costs, ink ect, but it just drives me crazy we are charging for that. I bet harness and have access to 5-10 tracks online in the run of a day, I like certain classes and want to do a quick scan through each card to see if something catches my eye..... I can't do that. Or, I suppose I can but it's going to cost me $25 before I get started. It's just one more way racing likes to stay in the dark ages.

Are you kidding? The only thing better than getting $2.00 from you for a hard copy that is paid for by advertisers, is to sell you a .PDF copy that costs virtually nothing to produce for $1.00. I'd bet that the industry makes more net cash from its publishing empire than it does from wagering take-out.

jdl

$2? Have you been to Arlington? They "give" you a program......once you pay the $8 admission. And no simulcast pps in that program either. What a deal.

It's changed hands several times, but I believe the DRF is in the hands of private equity, which is typically very cash flow focused. I believe Crist did a short interview on the business side of DRF a yr or so ago, and he seemed to indicate things were on track. I think I kind of understand your handicapping approach, but you don't blame DRF for selling their product, do you?

The gathering of information is not cheap and somebody has to pay for it. Even the free PP on the net are only free because someone is paying the original provider.

Interesting that you can go to HKJC site and find info for free, intersting you can go to Racingpost, Attheraces, Sportinglife and find info for free, interesting that you can find info for free on Oz racing too.



As the OP stated. US racing seems in dark ages.

If one has to bitch about buying a program, $2.00 or $5.00, pdf or hardcopy; one has no business betting.

--If you played a round of golf, you'd being paying greens fees, after you paid the privilege of joining the club you're playing at.

--If you were sitting in Yankee stadium, you'd be paying your soul for the seat your butt's in.

--If you were sitting in ANY NFL stadium you'd be doing the same.

--If you walked in a strip joint, you'd be paying for the privilege of a lap dance. (So, I'm told.) I haven't frequented those in a few decades. Last one I was in, sitting next to my former spouse, the pole dancer, made her way to the edge of the stage, and in total surprise, leaned over and called out my spouse's name, and declared, " why I haven't seen you since high school, how ya been?" Our entire group of six fell away from the table in laughter. Obviously, she didn't land him, I did. Too, she opted out of the higher learning thing and found a way to probably make very good money.:lol:

Don't let life be dull. Dull is boring! Entertainment costs money. Pay to play. Or, give it up.:faint:

Sitting at home on one's pc 24/7 betting every track under the sun is about as dull as it gets?

Been to Saratoga lately?

I'm being honest, here, but teasing you still. Enjoy your betting!!;)

NFL. - FREE info available
Euro soccer - FREE info avaliable



Loads of other sports/ betting mediums offer free info too. They don't charge you for a pack of cards to play poker do they???


US racing is in dark ages as OP stated.

ChucK D --Even The UK Guyz ATR have squeezed us USA Blokes whom Are content starved--Please dont print ways around it--But Many have a bi-ch reading ATR PP'sFor US TRacks--Well Free is Freeee--As Ativa tells ya

I wish A world wide Internet site interpretation in Ingles haha English---Covering Major sites news ETC----I sounds Such as Ms SOUTH Carolina----

This is why americans can't read pdf pp's---Thank You

Totally disagree Grits - do you pay for a menu when you go to dinner? ;)

When I pay my $3 to walk into Toga this week, I will be mumbling under my breath for at least two hours, until I start mumbling about some dude in the bathroom expecting a tip for handing me a paper towel!

:mad:

You'd be in some rage if you had to pay UK racecourse entrance fees then Tom



Bud

I'm scratching my head with your post :D

Yes, they are. It is obvious that they have no clues as to how to promote/sell the game, when compared to other countries. Maybe the gouging and refusal to treat cheating as serious has relegated racing's honesty to just above WWE. Although I know people who believe WWE is real and racing is fixed.

Tom, I don't mumble over $3.00. It ain't worth my time, or my intention of enjoying myself at the track.

I tip everyone, and well. But like you--honey, I don't pay to pee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Gotta go now.;) C'ya later.

Tom


I would not say they have no clue, but the promotion/selling of the sport could be done a lot better if those in charge realized the fan/follower is as important to racing as the customer walking through door is to Wal - Mart etc.

Yeah I paid 20 Euro (about $26 US) to get into Galway Racecourse in Ireland a couple of weeks ago (not the U.K., but same point). To eat in the clubhouse, it was a minimum of 110 Euro/person (about $140 US) - I skipped that. Even with those prices, the place was very well attended. I'd guess there were 15k people there, and I was told that was a slow night (it was a Monday).

American racing is in secular decline, and I don't think it has much to do with admission prices or the lack of free programs. On the margin, perhaps free admission and free programs would help, but I don't think such actions would be real needle movers.