Why Do We Have Racinos?

With the horse and dog racing industry faring as badly as they have been, it seemed like a good idea when the first one adding slot machines to the mix. They said it would save their track, and it did. Then, more and more racetracks starting adding slot machines to their facilities; until “racinos” became almost as popular as casinos themselves. But many people want to know why they are so successful, and why do many states want them.

One of the biggest reasons why they seem to come in so easily is that they come into a site that already has a history of gambling. People gamble at the racetracks all the time – so it really isn’t all that much of a stretch to add slot machines, or even table games to what is an already existing gambling venue. Not only does that make it easier to add them as far as location goes, but they also get less flack from anti-gambling groups since it was happening there already.

They also get to add them to an existing structure, which means they don’t have to put out millions of dollars to build a new casino. There is usually room for the slot machines where they are, and there is usually a large portion of land already owned by the racetracks so expansion is not a problem either.

There is also the jobs push – which comes from two different directions. The racetracks say that if you give them slot machines they will be able to keep on their staff, instead of having to lay people off when things start going badly. They also need to hire more people since they need people to help with the slot machine end of the business, which is good for the local economy. It also increases the purses that the track can offer, which helps with the jockeys, trainers, etc. and their livelihoods.


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