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Originally Posted by Horseplayersbet.com
I find what Burns to be disingenuous to an enormous degree based on his comments.
He of all people should realize that rebates or lowering takeout isn't about appeasing price sensitive and big players, but giving all players an opportunity to last longer, spend more time betting on horses, and opening the door to the chance that some can win which will create a whole new market of wannabes (this has been the key to Betfair's success).
Andy, I agree, he is full of it. He isn't a stupid guy.
He realizes that the higher the takeout in California, the more likely people will turn off parimutuel and bet on the exchange.
Secondly, he realizes he needs to invent reasons why a takeout increase makes sense so as to support the bill, which will get Betfair in the door.
Now, I'm not saying exchange betting is bad for the industry, in fact, parimutuel wagering has risen wherever Betfair has shown up. But Burns is playing with the media right now.
There is no way he believes that the increase in takeout will add to the health of the racing industry in California. I'm not buying it for a minute.
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This is exactly the kind of twisted deal making that has gone on in California for decades. It's just that lately we are finding out about this stuff.
What pisses me off even more is that no reporter will pin these guys down on this stuff and ask them directly about the side deals. Another reason to be skeptical of industry leadership.