On track 5% less takeout

[JustRalph]

Originally Posted by cj

After spending a week at Del Mar, they may as well make the on track takeout 50%. That crowd just doesn't care. It really is entertainment for the vast majority. It is the ADW segment that needs to be focused on.

I have spent the last two Saturdays at Lonestar Park. I've observed some of the same as you report, even though it's just a very nice Racebook. Lots of younger people just having a good time betting names and numbers.

[Poindexter]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

On-track attendance doesn't mix well with today's full-card simulcasting concept. With races going off every few minutes...what horseplayer worth his salt has the time to enjoy the "ambiance" of the racetrack? Even when attending live, the real horseplayer is much more likely to be found in front of some TV deep in the bowels of the place...rather than outside, enjoying the scenery. So why bother going to the track?

The industry has to realize that they can't have their cake, and eat it too.

Really? You guys all follow 5 circuits in an afternoon and play a race every 4 minutes and calculate what tris, and what supers and what pick 3s and what pick4's and what pick 5's and submit alll those tickets and can actually win doing so. Yikes, if I bet more than one track at a time, I may as well mail in a check, because I am not winning. I just can't focus on more than 1 track at a time. Very interesting. You guys are SUPERGAMBLERS. What can I say. I still think there is a market for ordinary(the less than super) folks, but who knows, maybe I am just a little slow .

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by Poindexter

Really? You guys all follow 5 circuits in an afternoon and play a race every 4 minutes and calculate what tris, and what supers and what pick 3s and what pick4's and what pick 5's and submit alll those tickets and can actually win doing so. Yikes, if I bet more than one track at a time, I may as well mail in a check, because I am not winning. I just can't focus on more than 1 track at a time. Very interesting. You guys are SUPERGAMBLERS. What can I say. I still think there is a market for ordinary(the less than super) folks, but who knows, maybe I am just a little slow .

Not only do I follow all the thoroughbred action of the afternoon...but I am thinking of branching out into the harness action as well. When you get on the dance floor...you gotta dance.

[proximity]

i'd say the vast majority of future players will be introduced to the game at a brick and mortar facility. that they're going to be randomly channel or web surfing, stumble over hrtv or some adw site, and become addicted horse gamblers is somewhat misguided, imo.

imagine those lone star kids jr was talking about getting 5-10% right out of the gate and having access to reasonably priced food and drinks? imagine them spreading the word to family, friends, and coworkers about this deal......

[EMD4ME]

Originally Posted by AndyC

I think you greatly overestimate how much money would be changed from ADWs to ontrack bets. Your target audience would be players who live a reasonable driving distance to the track and are now betting at home through an ADW. The incentive would have to be enough to cover the time and expense of going to the track and the missed opportunities of closely watching other tracks.

I currently live about 40 miles from Del Mar. For me it would mean driving roughly 2 hours, paying for parking and admission. So if I bet $200 to win on a 3-1 horse I would get back roughly $820.00 compared to $800.00 if I bet at home. Not exactly a game changer.

That's why I think it's a great idea for NYRA to do it. They have access to 10 million people within 30 miles of either downstate track.

Trust me, I've known many players who for years attend live races and bet via Twin Spires, Express Bet and many other ADW's as opposed to the house's adw. The 5% source market fee has not deterred business and a 5% on track bonus would make a ton of money for NYRA (or any other track).

Young people love to analyze and gamble. They don't come to the track as they know what the vig is. They know how to find a bargain on line in 5 seconds. Advertise a 5% on track bonus, combined with a drink for every 50 bucks wagered and all of a sudden you have a value add. The track is packed. Top the day off with thank you vouchers (given after race 9) for their next visit and you've created a repeat client.

[EMD4ME]

Originally Posted by Robert Goren

I have long thought that most tracks don't want more people at the track. I think they want them betting over the net. Fewer costs that way.

Sad but I believe you are 100% correct. Maybe not in all cases but most.

[EMD4ME]

Originally Posted by thespaah

Is there an echo in here?
I concur. The track would have to make it worthwhile financially to encourage those betting remotely to go to the track.
Not only would they have to use the 5% as an attraction, throw in parking admission and program as well.
I believe the trade off would be a minimum of $200 worth of action for the day.
Perhaps a purchase of a $100 voucher good only THAT day.
This would help offset the higher payoffs and the other concessions.
Of these are what are called "Ideas"....Something sorely lacking in the offices occupied by racetrack managements.

I agree with the other items needed. Bet $100, get a refund on your program. Bet $200, parking is refunded. Bet $300, free drink us.

At the end of the day, swipe your rewards card and get a dated voucher for your next visit (must be wagered).

[Stillriledup]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

Not only do I follow all the thoroughbred action of the afternoon...but I am thinking of branching out into the harness action as well. When you get on the dance floor...you gotta dance.

Massive Pentafecta carryover, (20 cent base) at Mohawk this weekend. I think the c/o is 700k and its a mandatory payout.

Get your feet wet!

[dilanesp]

From a supply and demand perspective it really isn't such a great idea. The ADW players probably, as a whole, care a lot more about takeout than on track bettors do. That's why rebate shops flourish.