Members of our racing industry MUST own the wagering website. It should also include an off-track, easily accessed wagering site for in-home wagering. Millions of dollars could be generated from millions of people recruited as new fans.”
Following years of Nevada having a domination of legalized gambling, and as a ploy to invade states and communities throughout the US, realizing that harness racing was doomed, casino owners made an offer to the participants of harness racing that could not be refused. They craftily came to harness racing’s rescue with a temporary bandage by building light-flashing, bell ringing, sexy, eye-popping new establishments.
The existing and new gamblers flocked to these new venues, while harness racing participants enjoyed the subsidies from their new competition. Harness racing folks could not see the forest for the trees. The tainted fruit of the subsidies tasted delicious.
Casino owners have historically spent millions on researching and marketing what the customers want and need. Psychologists say people gamble primarily for the excitement, rather than getting something for nothing. Getting something for nothing is simply a bonus. Casinos offer uninterrupted excitement and harness racing does not. Expecting folks to walk through a casino to a racetrack is ludicrous.
To survive and grow, harness racing participants collectively MUST look at the huge picture, and make huge changes, and expect huge results. The way to predict the future is by creating it. Creating it necessitates action – not talk.
