Originally Posted by Parkview_Pirate
The rate of decline, if I'm reading this correctly, has slowed a bit (668 L5 yrs versus 779 previous 5 yrs), but I suppose the using the raw data, the percentages would be pretty close.
If by this you mean that simulcasting/internet wagering is allowing players to pick the "higher quality" venues (or even just the tracks they have more success at), I would agree. That's a big part of it, though most states that allow ADW accounts usually skim a portion of the simulcasting/internet handle to support their local racing. (which is a racket, IMHO)
But I also think that contraction has a lot to do with the decline of the economy, and there's just that much less "disposable" money owners have available to spend on a luxury, especially at the lower and local levels of the game.
Contraction may be good for the game, but it's more complicated than just offering fewer races - which does not necessarily equate to larger fields, especially over the long run. The problem needs to be addressed from the rather sticky and complex money side of the equation - where takeout, tax aspects, purses, handle, PR, costs (trainer fees, vet bills, property taxes, etc), competition from other gambling activities, etc., all combine to determine sustainability.
So far, it's apparent that most venues are doing little to "fix" things, though to some degree there may not be a fix.
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