Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyC
Don't you think the remaining tracks got a boatload of extra handle because gamblers were limited in their options?
Contraction will necessarily bring fewer qualified trainers, jockeys, grooms, and other necessary personnel. The minor leagues of racing will be where the contraction takes place and that is where people acquire their skills to be in the big leagues.
As an old-timer in racing I acquired my love for the sport by going to live racing. I am guessing that contraction would mean that many future fans would need to get hooked via TV. I am not optimistic that racing can generate enough new interest when access to live racing is greatly diminished.
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I absolutely agree that the boatload of extra handle was because of fewer betting options. That's the whole point of a contraction in any business suffering from overcapacity and losses. You are removing a lot of the costs and dividing the same (or similar) revenue among the remainder.
It doesn't come without downsides. In any contraction there are going to be layoffs that hurt a lot of people. Some people may not be able to attend live racing.
It's not an easy decision. The state politics, while over my head, are probably a nightmare from hell. That's why it's taking so long. But it seems inevitable to me.
