"Asking a casino company to convert a slot player to bet the races is like asking a restaurant to convince its customers to order soup and water rather than the steak and bottle of wine. It’s not going to happen."

Noting that playing the ponies doesn't have to look like what it does today, Editor Darryl Kaplan stresses the importance of winning back the horseplayer in the April edition of Trot.

"What if we didn’t limit horse betting to what it looks like today? What if the game could change, be more dynamic and a better entertainment and wagering experience," opines Kaplan. "What if takeout was lowered for big players and ease and speed of play was maximized for chance based players? If exchanges allowed in race betting for the experienced and programs were easier to digest and understand for newcomers?"

Not only does Kaplan see the need for racing to adapt, he sees the reasons for government to facilitate that change and urges all parties to ensure that incentive for growth and partnership exists.

"Without a doubt, it is in the best interests of government, the economy and the fabric of our society to encourage gambling dollars to go toward horse racing and not slot machines. The industry is a rural and locally based activity that provides employment, the preservation of farmland and agriculture-based living, and has a tremendous potential for international export and foreign growth.

"On the other hand, most slot manufacturers are foreign based, as are the casino corporations. The gaming technology is not exportable and with the proliferation of casinos around the world, a bump in tourism is a non starter."

To read and comment on Kaplan's April edition of "The View", click one of the following links: The importance of winning back horseplayers -- L’importance de regagner les parieurs sur courses