Race tracks are dead!
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Across the country, they're being bailed out with slot machines, those electronic ATM machines that enrich investors.
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In Indiana, first they got slots at tracks (racinos), then they got a state bailout.
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In Here We Go Again!, I wrote --
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Commenting on handicapped access to the track, Carney, owner of the Raynham Dog Track said -
The park has not received one complaint about handicap access, Carney said. “Most of our client base is elderly nowadays, so we have to be able to get them in there,” he said.
The park has not received one complaint about handicap access, Carney said. “Most of our client base is elderly nowadays, so we have to be able to get them in there,” he said.
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Only in Massachusetts do we not see the handwriting.
Proponents at dead race tracks argue about jobs, failing to heed the Twin River's experience.
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Lincoln voters said NO to 24/7 hours of operation.
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What did they get when Rhode Island confronted the loss of gambling revenues to which the state is addicted? 24/7
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If slots were approved, as per Flynn’s bill, the law would allow the machines to be installed after 90 days — pending approval in a town meeting vote.
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Judging from the experience in Rhode Island, no commitment, no assurance and no guarantee matters. The Massachusetts dog tracks will be closed on December 30, 2009. Slot parlors do not require as many employees.
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Those that are employed are primarily low wage workers, with no opportunity for advancement, no transferable skills.
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[Rep. Slots] Flynn has estimated the state would reap $700 million from slots in their first year and $400 million annually thereafter, but since the economy has continued slumping, he has backed off any firm figure.
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Last week, Rhode Island gambling hall and greyhound track Twin River filed for bankruptcy protection.
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The company that owns the “racino” asked the state legislature there to allow it to unload dog racing from its license obligations, calling it a money-loser, but lawmakers rejected the request, the Pawtucket Times reported.
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Regardless of the bravado of the RI legislature, the final outcome of the bankruptcy filing remains to be determined by a federal bankruptcy judge.
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Maybe we should give this some serious thought before we jump into the sinking ship of a dead industry.
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One must wonder if it was simply a misstatement to announce the Hearing for slots bill AT Raynham dog track likely in September -- AT the Raynham Dog Track?
2 comments:
I have never gone to a track,have no interest,don't see the need.I agree.Let 'em die.
My brother worked in Ranham and I told him to change jobs.
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