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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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