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The racing industry in Texas has been suffering. Of course all race tracks have had diminished numbers since the recession. One thing that people don’t have to do is wager. Though they can cut back on other things, gambling is one thing in the world that they don’t have to do. It can be completely eliminated from anyone’s budget. That is part of the problem with gambling—no one needs to do it. Gambling companies have been suffering due to that and have few options other than pushing promotions and deals harder. This costs though. Just ask the operators in Atlantic City—they have been struggling to spur on the market for months now. More and more people have been laid off in an effort to save businesses, and that doesn’t seem to be bringing the results that the operators were hoping for. Now Texas is having the same lag in numbers that Atlantic City has had with overall gambling.

Texas is a state that had a lucrative race track market at one time. It used to be one of the favorite pastimes of the residents in the area. They believed that racing was a great gambling option and it benefited race tracks substantially. One large race track in the area is Sam Houston Race Park. It is one of the biggest locations for racing in the state and has a reputation for greatness. Since the recession though, people have been leaving the racing tracks alone. They have been too busy paying bills and getting through their daily finances to think of playing at a race track. Sam Houston’s owners are trying to come up with ways of moving back into the market and bring in the same numbers it did pre-recession. The biggest obstacle to overcome is changing people’s perceptions of wagering and getting them to once again return to race tracks for wagers. Remember too that the race track still has the competition of other casinos in the state and online gambling companies. Now that the online gambling market has increased so much and so quickly, it is making things for the racing industry even harder.

Part two coming next.

It is no secret that the British horse racing industry has been suffering since the recession. In fact, horse racing all over the world has been down in revenue. Race tracks have struggled since the beginning of the financial difficulties of 2008/2009. Most people were limited on their cash reserves and cut back on gambling altogether. Though there were still affordable options—the penny slots, for example—for the most part gambling had to be completely cut out of peoples’ budgets. Race tracks were included in that fowl sweep. People stopped wagering at race tracks in total and this put owners at a difficult impasse. Should they continue to push for more customers? Should they close down? Should they wait out the difficult recessionary period and hope? All of these questions weighed heavily on the minds of race track owners and they are still struggling as a market in today’s world.

Formerly there was a deadline for the UK horse racing industry and online casino bookies to come to some agreement. Unfortunately that deadline came and went with no real strides in the market. This caused the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt to step in and create a specific timeline for some answers to be delivered. He scheduled April 2011 to March 2012 as the target time for UK participants to get together and come up with some form of an agreement. Right now the two main sources of revenue for Britain’s race track industry are their rights to the live broadcast races and the levy revenue earned from bookmakers. Part of the problem is that most bookies are using offshore companies for their needs to avoid the heavy taxes incurred by working within the state. It will take some time to sort out the issue and that is what Hunt and others are hoping is going to happen in the coming years. Hopefully negotiations will bring some resolution to the problems race track owners are having with online gambling bookmakers. Only time will tell what is going to happen, but the racing industry needs some type of restructuring if it is to survive.

Recently the two candidates for governor of Alabama fought it out in a highly-publicized debate. One of the main issues was gambling within the state. Remember that gambling is pitting sides against each other and proving to be a political hot button these days. On one side legislators believe that legalizing gambling is what the market needs to bring in the millions of tax revenue dollars needed to turn around the economy. On the other hand, there is an equally passionate side that believes legalizing gambling would only bring more problems to the market. This side believes that gambling would increase addictions, crime, corruption and other criminal activities. The issue has been on the table for a few months now and laws are still being debated out. Alabama legislators have made it clear that gambling is a priority issue for the candidates.

Ron Sparks and Robert Bentley are both duking it out for governor of Alabama. Sparks has been pushing for months for regulated gambling within the state. He believes that a good gambling initiative could bring in millions of dollars and thousands of jobs to the market. On the other hand Bentley believes that that there are other, more viable options for bringing in the funds needed to manage the budget. He also stated that gambling has not helped other areas that have legalized it. It seems that this issue is what is taking center stage on priority topics during debates these days. The only telling incident is the focus of the voting public within the state. It seems that the lines are also drawn relatively evenly, but there is a slow rise in support for gambling. This most likely is due to the promise of additional jobs if gambling is legalized, and thus gambling casinos are brought with additional jobs. The market is struggling and is in need of a change. Jobs are highly-coveted in the state and a promise of new ones could considerably sway the voters into sustaining legalizing gambling. Once that happens, they will be pining for a governor who supports the goal of legalizing and regulating gambling in the state.

One industry that quickly suffered during the recession was the horse racing market. Over the years, it took a particularly hard hit. When the unemployment rate soared, people stopped spending and that meant that they cut out any discretionary spending. Most people were focused on paying their bills and just getting by, rather than using funds to pay for gambling at horse racing tracks. This put track owners in difficult positions. Their own revenues declined sharply and they had problems keeping customers from coming in.

Some race tracks looked to bringing in slots gambling to try to spur more customers to return to the market. Throughout history, slots have been a very effective money-generating hobby for businesses, including pubs and bars in the country. That means that if a race track can implement a slots parlor onto their floor, they may have a shot to remain relevant in the market. Race track owners have long been petitioning legislators to allow the move of bringing slots in. They are hoping that the change would bring in millions of much-needed dollars in funding to the market. It also can potentially save many race tracks from closing down altogether. Lawmakers are divided though.

Like most issues with gambling, legislators in Illinois are divided. On one side, legislators believe that slots would help to spur in more business and believe that with the right taxation, all parties could benefit from the move. On the other hand, some legislators are not as supportive of the move. Their reasoning is that bringing slots into race tracks would considerably infringe on their own revenue-generating capability by using slots. The pie would have to be split between the race tracks, the state, the city and the federal government. On the other hand, if the state just put slots in themselves, then race tracks would not have to be cut into the deal.

In the end, it is money that is spurring the debates over allowing Illinois race tracks to bring in slots. There are millions of potential dollars to be had in the market and everyone involved knows well how lucrative the move could be. It will take time for legislators to make their minds, but race tracks in the state are hoping it doesn’t take too long and they truly are able to benefit from the changes.

Massachusetts House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo is pushing forward with his plan to expand gambling in the state. He stated that ideally the state should look to increase the money from gambling revenue including slot machine gaming and racinos, or race track/casino combinations. He believes that combined, they are the perfect antidote to a state that is struggling with its budget. Since the recession, the state has suffered greatly, as have most states, and the reality of gambling is making waves in almost every economy.

DeLeo recently made a speech on job creation and the good it would bring to the economy at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. He stands firm that the money would be a positive advantage for the state to bring in. A part of the revenue from gambling would be allotted to a special fund to help manufacturers with investments. The reason is that if they are struggling, added revenue can help them to sustain jobs and keep people working without having to use future cutbacks. It also may encourage other people to continue investing in the state and fuel it with more money. DeLeo’s proposal for bringing gambling to the state is vague and that is much of the reason why it has not gained the huge support it was hoping for when it was first introduced.  DeLeo plans to support a bill to the House in coming months that promises to be controversial once it hits the floor.

The question of gambling is a difficult one that every state is wrestling with. They all believe that there is a hefty amount of revenue to be had by bringing slots and race tracks to the state, along with various other types of online gaming and wagering. There is an opposition however that sees the issues increases in gambling would bring about. They cite a greater crime rate, corruption, money laundering and addictions as the main reasons why the states should be careful and not think of gambling as a sure-fire fix to the budget problems created by the recession of 2008/2009. Despite concerns though, there is a strong backing of legislators who continue to push for legalization and regulation of gambling. They see the revenue as a much-needed move if the economies are to survive into the 2011 fiscal year.

Always a highlight, the Gold Cup Cheltenham racing festival is coming up. For anyone who loves racing, this could be the perfect time to start wagering on the market. It is exciting to watch and even more exciting to have a wager on a race.  The punters are waiting with patiently as the brace up for watching the all-star clash between Paul Nicholls’ classy chasers, Kauto Star and Denman. The duo has been awarded three consecutive Gold Cups. Kauto Star having won the 3m2f Grade One feature at a canter back in 2007 before an interrupted preparation the following season saw him deposed by Denman. Even after his heart problem last year Denman returned to a poor season.  Though he did finish a fine second in the Gold Cup as Kauto Star proved his expertise by successfully regaining the crown. It is unheard of to regain a crown in the races, but he managed to do it. This was much to the chagrin of many a book keepers who love the excitement. Not only can they take wagers on wins, but they also can take wagers on double-wins now. This event opened the door for that and that creates a whole new type of wager possibility in the market.
When it comes to picking a favorite, there are some signs to watch for. Thus far it looks as though speed horse Kauto Star is the favorite to again capture the Gold Cup, but the Denman camp will point to his victory at Newbury as proof of a revival. You never know because he did have some rough jumps at Aon Chase during the same meeting, questions were again raised over Denman’s fitness following last year’s surgery, and the faster ground will be a big worry for those backing him here.  The last contender seems to be Ryan Air Chase hero Imperial Commander ran Kauto Star to a nose at Haydock and could be worth a look, though it remains to be seen whether the horse can perform on the extended 3m2f track at Cheltenham. Overall this will be a great time for any one who loves racing and wagering and any combination of the two.

The great thing about playing casino games online is that almost every month has its fair share of promotions. Online casinos work hard to create benefits for players that will bring them back continuously. CakePoker.com is one of those websites that has made creating specials an art form. If you are looking for some of the best deals out there, be sure to look at the website and see what it is offering. Now that March is upon us, the website is offering a special version of its Turbo Gold Card promotion. The promotions returns as much as four times the rewards you can normally get and it lasts throughout the entire month.

CakePoker.com stated that players are being given an outstanding opportunity to build their Gold Card collections and gain access to over $250,000 in monthly instant cash and free entry into tournament play and prizes. Until March 17, ring game players that catch a Gold Card Ace Of Clubs can enjoy instant gratification by redeeming the special token for $100 in cash. Finally, as St Patrick’s Day falls in March, CakePoker.com is offering qualifiers for the Irish Poker Open until March 14 before segueing into a host of WSOP events. Be aware o fthe huge amount of specials the website will be offering and be ready to take advantage of them. It is a great time to get in on the fun at CakePoker.com

Illinois race tracks will tell a state gaming commission today that allowing slot machines will help Illinois’s poor economy. Racing officials will say that allowing racinos at Illinois tracks will make up for revenue lost from the state’s new law permitting poker machines at bars. The poker machine law was expected to help fund state’s $30 billion, multi-year infrastructure rebuilding plan, the Post-Dispatch reports. But is only on a voluntary basis and many municipalities have not yet agreed to allow it. Lobbyists are pushing harder than ever for the reform to be considered because they know the harrowing up-coming financial years that the state will be under. They are doing everything they can now to help find solutions to the budgetary problems that no doubt will be around for at least a few more years.

Reform is needed to help the state make its budget for the coming fiscal year. The slot machine industry is celebrating because slots are coming to the state. The Governor approved legislation recently that would add over 40,000 slot machines to the market. They would join the already 75,000 existing slot machines that are highly lucrative to the state. Governor Pat Quinn said, “Annually there are approx. 25,000 slots replaced each year which means an increase in slot machine production.”

 In Illinois, Gov. Pat Quinn approved legislation that will allow bars and taverns throughout the state to add video poker and video blackjack machines. Each location would be allowed three types of machines and analysts believe anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 games could be added by next year. That means huge dollars for the states in gambling tax revenues. It’s a good time due to the recession. States are acting like kids in candy stores with gambling. They have had to struggle for revenues for so long due to the recession that the economy created. The new poker machines at bars hopefully will not only bring in revenue, but also bring in new customers first. It’s a huge goal of most businesses to bring in business and it is the first step for turning the economy completely around. As people continue to start spending like they used to, hopefully they will start gambling again and fueling the casino industry back into good revenues.

Illinois race tracks will tell a state gaming commission that allowing slot machines will help Illinois’s poor economy.  Race tracks all over the country have been suffering due to the recession. One of the biggest issues of the economic downturn was a lack of discretionary spending among consumers. They cut back on all spending—from groceries and cars to vacations and hobbies. It was a difficult situation. Add to it the staggering unemployment rate that left millions of Americans without a job and it’s sure fire disaster for the market. People need to start getting back into the workforce, but with over 2.5 million jobs eliminated it’s difficult for even the most educated consumer to find placement. It made people worry about their financial futures and the future of the economy as a whole.

Race tracks are not different in the market. People cut back on spending and that included betting at race tracks. Many tracks throughout the country have had to file bankruptcy or close down completely to manage. Without some new product, it seems that race tracks may continue to close down. That’s why many are calling for slots integration to bring in new customers and in turn, new revenue. The biggest advantage of slots is that they have proven to be highly lucrative in today’s economy. Even Las Vega touts the benefit of having slots and cites that their slots parlors bring over 60% of their average revenue into the business. Race tracks know this and want to save their own operations with the inclusion of slots. Unfortunately, they need permission to do so.

Racing officials will say that allowing racinos at Illinois tracks will make up for revenue lost from the state’s new law permitting poker machines at bars. The poker machine law was expected to help fund state’s $30 billion, multi-year infrastructure rebuilding plan, the Post-Dispatch reports. But is only on a voluntary basis and many municipalities have not yet agreed to allow it. Lobbyists are pushing harder than ever for the reform to be considered. It will take a few months, but soon people will see if slots are going to be introduced to race tracks.

Shaun Hiltner, known around Frederick as DJ Tipsy, won the $30,000 jackpot in the Lincoln and Loot Giveaway at Charles Town Races & Slots.  Shaun, who is known by his friends and family as being a kind and caring man, took over his parents’ mortgage payment last year so they wouldn’t lose their home.  As a result, Shaun didn’t have to think long or hard about how he would spend a $30,000 jackpot he won Sunday at Charles Town Races & Slots. “I’ll use it to help pay down my parent’s mortgage,” Hiltner said. It was great news for the player and she made it clear that paying off bills was a priority. Though many consumers think of gambling winnings as luxury money, the reality for some people is that the money is best spent on practical things like paying down debt, paying off medical bills and paying for everyday expenses.

Shaun took over his parents mortgage when his mother had back surgery. While she was in recovery, she was rear-ended in a car accident.  “That messed her up for life,” said Hiltner.  His mother is living off a $713 disability check, while his father has been unable to find construction work, Hiltner said. Hiltner won the money in the racetrack’s $300,000 Lincoln and Loot Giveaway. He had the option of taking a $46,000 2010 Lincoln MKT or the cash. “It was the calls that came later that made it all worthwhile,” he said. “My friends, who knew my family was falling on hard times, said, ‘You got the biggest heart, man,’ and ‘You deserve it more than anyone else.’  “My parents have been there for me, so it’s my turn,” Hiltner said. “It will definitely help my family.”

Hiltner loves his full-time work as a local disc jockey, but winning a jackpot is a faster way to get money.  Jon Hall, Charles Town promotions and events administrator, said he wished all his winners were like Hiltner. “I asked him if he won what he would do with the money, and he said he would throw it at his mother’s mortgage. All the ladies in the room went, ‘Aw,’” he said. “I was hoping he would win because you don’t get that answer every day.”