Survival of the Fittest

I find myself wagering from home much more often then venturing to the track. Wagering at home offers me resources that the track just cannot match. I have a restroom just a few steps away. I don’t have to pay to park in my driveway, or to sit on my couch. I don’t have to pay for gas because I’m not going anywhere. While the food in my refrigerator isn’t technically free, it is certainly much cheaper.

On most days that I go to the track I might spend a minimum of $15 between parking, buying a racing form, and eating lunch. While this isn’t a huge expense, it can add up for someone like myself who likes to bet the ponies often. I can avoid those expenses altogether by wagering online.

Most ADW websites offer their members a refund ranging from 3-10% on certain wagers, while others have a rewards system where bettors earn point for each dollar wagered. I know that one of my local tracks, Turfway Park, has a similar rewards system. However a card must be swiped each time you wager, and this can be a pain when its close to post time and your trying not to get locked out. Although it happens rarely, I’ve found myself scrambling to find tickets that I thought I had lost. This can’t happen online, and all scratches are instantly refunded.

When I go to River Downs I am commonly faced with the “refeed document” or “invalid serial number” signals when using the self service machines. This is a huge pain in the ass and has cost me money in the past. Machine technology is outdated, and places like River Downs refuse to accommodate their players by purchasing new and upgraded machines.

Mismanagement is a common denominator for all failed businesses. River Downs does nothing to gain new fans, and they are content with the status quo. I was recently informed by an industry insider that the track is licensed to race at night, yet they make no attempts to do so. Surely this would increase attendance and the overall handle. The track itself is absolutely gorgeous. The turf course is one of the best around, yet they rarely card races over it.

Track employees aren’t the nicest or most cheerful around in some cases. During my short time working at River Downs, I witnessed security guards telling patrons to leave the clubhouse after entering literally a single minute before the place officially opened. That is just asinine. Customers are forced to pay $3 to sit down at River Downs, an amenity that is free at Turfway Park.  Little things like old tote machines and inconsiderate track employees make people want to stay home and wager, or not wager at all.

My trips to Turfway Park are a far cry from River Downs. They have new machines at Turfway and the staff is usally friendly from my experiences. Friday nights at Turfway offer $1 beers and hotdogs. They also offer live music and UFC events from time to time. Their product is vastly superior to that of River Downs. Many of my friends refuse to go to River Downs for some of the previously stated reasons, and drive just a little further to visit Turfway. Despite this, Turfway, Churchill Downs, and other tracks that do a good job of supporting the horse player are seeing a decline in handle and attendance. This can partially be be attributed to the recession, but they are atleast making an attempt to thrive.

I believe this trend will continue and tracks like River Downs will be squeezed out. Only the strong will survive.