Running Second to Slot Machines

It used to be that you went to the horse and dog races to watch the animals run and to bet on them. Now you go to watch the slot machines run, the people run to the slot machines, the people run from the slot machines, etc. – but not so much of the animals anymore.

The slot machines are the best and worst thing that could have happened to the tracks. By adding slot machines, those tracks that embraced them are now thriving. Those that didn’t are finding themselves on the short end of the stick. Many of the tracks that were just about to go belly up have found a new life with the influx of slot machine revenue that has come into their pockets. Some tracks, such as Pimlico in Maryland, that have not been able to add the slot machines, are continuing a downward spiral with no hope of pulling out.

However, the tracks are just casinos now with a little running. People go to play the slot machines instead of embracing the true nature of the track – which is to watch the horses run. Understandably it is much better for the tracks if people spend their money on the slot machines, as they are bound to spend more than they would at the track itself. However, they might as well pulled out the tracks all together and just put in slot machines, for that is what they are all about now.

Some don’t even try to hide the fact that they don’t care about the racing anymore. Gulfstream spent no expense making sure that their slot machine players are comfortable and well taken care of. Racing fans? That is another story – they got an outside stand that looks like something a high school would have on a football field, with no cover in sight – this is Florida! Just goes to show you where the priorities lie, and it isn’t with the racing fans that got them their start.

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