Plans for 4 more U.S. racetracks

[trying2win]

I just read the following article about plans for 4 more racetracks in the U.S:

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/tod...41950&subsec=1

Why would developers want to build more racetracks? I thought there was already a shortage of horses now at many tracks.

T2W

[Zaf]

They probably want an excuse to open a casino

ZAFONIC

[trying2win]

Originally posted by zafonic
They probably want an excuse to open a casino :

ZAFONIC

Zafonic,

Since you're a Canadian too (eh), then you know that in Canada the racetrack and Provincial Gov'ts split the slot machine profits on about a 50-50 basis. The racetrack's share of course, must go towards purses.

I don't know what the agreements between U.S. racetracks and their State Govt's are on sharing slot machine profits, plus what U.S. racetracks are required to do with their slot profits. Can someone enlighten me on the U.S. scenario in this area?

Thanks,

T2W

[sq764]

Colonial is a nice track, but it is in the WORST location possible..

[Zaf]

SQ

What is wrong with the location ?

ZAFONIC

[Zaf]

Originally posted by trying2win
Zafonic,

Since you're a Canadian too (eh), then you know that in Canada the racetrack and Provincial Gov'ts split the slot machine profits on about a 50-50 basis. The racetrack's share of course, must go towards purses.

I don't know what the agreements between U.S. racetracks and their State Govt's are on sharing slot machine profits, plus what U.S. racetracks are required to do with their slot profits. Can someone enlighten me on the U.S. scenario in this area?

Thanks,

T2W

T2W

There is no way that the horseman at the Hippodrome de Montreal are benefiting from their VLT's. Purses have been drastically cut and conditions are pitiful there.
I not sure, but Quebec must have a different deal with the horsemen. Do you know anything about this ???

ZAFONIC

[cj]

Originally posted by zafonic
SQ

What is wrong with the location ?

ZAFONIC

You need a compass and good boy scout to even find the place. It is absolutely in the middle of nowhere!

[sq764]

Zaf, the location is in the middle of nowhere basically.

You have Williamsburgh, which is a touristy location, then you have a major city in Richmond.

The track is located about a half hour from either in a very very small, out of the way location.

[JimG]

As you guys probably know, that location was chosen because the land (approx. 600 acres) was donated. That obviously reduced the cost to build the track.

Personally, I would have rather seen Churchill Downs get the track. They had planned to place it in VA Beach (15 miles from me) as opposed to its current location (75 miles away)

But it is a beautiful track with a wonderful turf course and I enjoy going up there on weekends when it is open. If anyone here would like to meet at Colonial when it opens, drop me an email later this summer.

JimG

[sq764]

We try to get down there once a year.. and there are a few things I like about it:

Very nice track, very new
Nice atmosphere
The tellers are the absolute nicest people you will ever meet (big change from Meadowlands and Dover Downs)

Biggest problem for me:

When I go to see harness racing, without binoculars, you really cannot see the horses until they are about at the 3/4 mile pole..

[Binder]

Jim
Here have some nice beer

The photo sign went off

They got a winner

$28.40

My God Trotter you Won!!!


Hope you Have a very good day Jim

[Zaf]

Cool Avatar Binder !!!

ZAFONIC

[Zaf]

I went to Tampa Bay Downs once in the mid 80's, maybe I got lost, but it seemed to be pretty much in the middle of nowhere.

ZAFONIC

[trying2win]

Originally posted by zafonic
T2W

There is no way that the horseman at the Hippodrome de Montreal are benefiting from their VLT's. Purses have been drastically cut and conditions are pitiful there.
I not sure, but Quebec must have a different deal with the horsemen. Do you know anything about this ???

ZAFONIC

Zafonic,

Seems to me, that I read somewhere online that the Hippodrome de Montreal has exborbitant takeout rates. If that's true, that could have lead to lower betting handles after awhile. Also, if there are huge track takeouts throughout all their straight and gimmick bets at this track, it could be that a lot of the big bettors who were regular players at this track, have switched to tracks with much lower takeouts to get more bang for their buck.

As for the sharing agreement between the Hippodrome de Montreal and horsemen, I don't know what their deal is comprised of.

It would be kind of interesting if someone with knowledge of the takeout rates at the Hippodrome de Montreal, could provide a link to this information.

T2W

[JustMissed]

Originally posted by trying2win
I just read the following article about plans for 4 more racetracks in the U.S:

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/tod...41950&subsec=1

Why would developers want to build more racetracks? I thought there was already a shortage of horses now at many tracks.

T2W

HOLY COW BATMAN, THEY NEED A COURSE IN REMEDIAL READING.

Hey Trying,

Didn't you understand what they said: "planning to build racinos in the United States as well as one foreign nation have contacted him, seeking assistance or information."

They're not building racetrack's buddy, they're building combination racetracks and casino's.

The national trend is toward an increased acceptance to gaming. Look what is happening with poker. With the WPT and other televised poker the game is growing by leaps and bounds.

As an easy way to pass laws to enhance state agricultural(horse breeding)subsidies, racinos are the anchor for slots, video poker, table games and whatever the else they can get by with.

What a great opportunity for sharp 'sharks' to become 'whales'.

JustMissed