Steve Wolf is right on the money

Steve Wolf’s column in yesterday’s HRU (full column here) is right on the money. With the emphasis on money.

In recent months, the top management and key owners of the major casino businesses have invaded Florida to make sure they participated in both sports betting and new wagering beyond the Seminole properties. Both the Governor and Seminole management were very, very receptive to markedly growing the gaming pie in the third largest State. Cha-ching for the State Treasury.

To me, the lesson learned here is that we better start aggressively advertising and promoting the excitement of our racing product, as the betting component has lost its luster. But our marketers (track operators, associations, breeders, states) have to open their check books. To change our fortunes, we must move from a breeder-centric business model to an entertainment/excitement product.

For starters, perhaps the New Meadowlands LLC could dig deep, make the necessary investments, and turn The Hambletonian into a truly big-time entertainment event. We need Major League Harness Racing…not the fairs.

— Joe Smith / Vero Beach, FL