Gaming Analysis - by Nick Nicholson

re: Gaming Analysis - by Nick Nicholson

SalemPoe — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:25:35 GMT

As an employee of one of the states that have not seized the concept of gambling, I get sick & tired of hearing how bad our state is hurting & how much I have to sacrifice (my own income has been cut because the state is so broke) because our governor does not believe that gambling will benefit the state. Our tracks are on life support (have been for years), and I'd be surprised if they are all still open next season, it was touch & go this season. In my opinion, gambling, if brought in sensibly, can benefit the race tracks, schools, and maybe eventually the state's residents.

re: Gaming Analysis - by Nick Nicholson

TouchStone Farms — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:52:26 GMT

Any Race venue that has been fortunate enough to receive the benefit derived from VLT generated income has seen dramatic increases in the purse structure, in turn this has fostered the growth of the industry through new participation, significantly increased activity with current participants which automatically spills over to breeders (yearling sales), farm employment, service industry employment, agricultural suppliers-feed mills,race equipment, farm equipment, vehicle purchases etc.etc.etc. not to mention the huge tax uptick that is received by the state for it's broad use. Anything that can be done to strenghen the industry base through new revenue streams should be done immediately. As far as VLT's being located at racetracks it is the perfect controlled environment which simply is expanding it's existing product base while at the same time adding jobs and new tax income to the state coffers that will be enjoyed by all state residents in a multitude of ways! Yes other industry's are important, but the backbone of Kentucky and what this is all about is supporting and growing the thoroughbred industry that already exists through innovative means that are not going to add to the tax payers load but in fact help lighten it. Support an industry that doesn't have or need it's hand in the government's pocket via grant's or subsidies to ensure it's survival, although it probably is more deserving than most.

re: Gaming Analysis - by Nick Nicholson

Patrick Davis — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:57:33 GMT

As an owner of a small horse breeding operation here in Ky. You are correct in saying that a vibrant horse industry will create jobs, but the illusion that casinos will create net job growth is false. If you look at the states with casino gambling, only Indiana has a surplus because of some good leadership. Adding 200 million to the Ky. state gov't is like giving a drunkard a cheap bottle of booze. The state needs to attract manufacturing jobs to deal with the budget issues and apply some smart leadership to help solve some of the problems in the horse industry. The tracks want video slots but do not want any one else in the state to have them, ask yourself why. If tax revenue is the main concern why not place them everywhere. I believe slots will only place a band-aid on the problem, creating short term revenue while failing to deal with the real problem. Keeneland, Saratoga, Delmar, and Japanese racing do not have a problem of attracting fans, a quality product, good service, great environment, and a limited schedule all help to make people want to go to the races.Racing is missing the fact that supply, both breeding & racing are more abundant than demand. In any business / industry when this format is out of balance the whole industry suffers. Thank you for you time. Respectfully, Patrick Davis