Slot Machines Cut Into Harness Racing Profits

Filed in archive Racing on March 9, 2008

Years ago I stated that there was only just so much disposable, or, as it's now called, "discretionary", income to go around.

This scenario affects more than just gambling as you may have noticed. I engage in several hobbies and these days, for a long time in fact, when I have a few bucks to spare I have to make a hard choice as to which activity to spend it on.

Thank God "they" tell us there's no inflation. Imagine how rough it would be if "they" told us we have inflation.

As a result of this harness racing, which has been in decline for years, appears to be getting hit particularly hard.

The cause of this cut in interest is slot machines that have been installed at harness racing tracks.

It's no surprise to me because the number of people turned on by horse racing is falling rapidly. Meanwhile the number of people who are pure gamblers, not dedicated to a particular game, such as Poker, is increasing, and slot machines are the biggest attraction. There aren't very many new horse racing fans hitting the scene.

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When I was young there really wasn't any form of legal gambling outside of Las Vegas, so everyone went to the track, including me.

Now that there are casinos all over people have choices and they prefer the speed and variety of slot machines over the time spent handicapping horses and waiting for the next race.

Here's a report on the slot machine takeover of harness racing at Pompano Race Track.