Horse Efficient and jockey Michael Rodd win the 2007 Melbourne Cup- AAP Image/Julian Smith
Can somebody explain to me why the government plans to invest $150m into a race track that nobody goes to? And, here is the biggie, they are going to fund it with a digitized product that will replace real racehorses.
I wonder how the thousands of sick people feel who are forced to queue up for hours for a doctor, or the frustrated people in daily traffic jams who are exposed to inadequate road systems.
The NSW government’s Racing Minister, Kevin Greene, has rubber stamped what could be the beginning of the end for the racehorse industry, which are already on their knees.
The mooted product is a simulated racing game called “Trackside,” that is owned by Tabcorp, who have convinced the naïve minister that if they install the machines all over the state, they will make $12m every year.
“Trackside” is like a poker machine.
The profit take out is massive, which makes it impossible for players to win. But the real “red flag” for the racing industry is that the digitized horses are in direct competition for the punters dollar, which is what sustains the industry.
Racing NSW has completely over-looked the younger generation, which even the egotistical CEO Peter V’Landys admits. The racing industries’ next generation (aged between 18 and 25) all have IPhones and IPods and all play games.
The racing industry is in real danger of losing them to online gaming, but sadly our administrators seems to be doing everything they can to push them away.
So let’s fast forward another ten years.
It is Derby Day 2020 and we have this beautiful big grandstand at Randwick with 200 people in it. The people who should be there for one of the biggest race days of the year are at home logged in to on-line casinos and playing their own race meeting that Tabcorp have just introduced digitally called “Don’t put your backside Trackside”.
Take a bow Minister and RNSW.
Cooper
Guest
Wow sorry for not going to the track but I have collected two HUGE trifectas in two days and I don't know anything about races......anyone can have a go..
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Vinay, To an extent I can understand where the Government are coming from, but I cannot fathom how Racing NSW can rubber stamp a product that is in direct competition with their core business, a business that they are suppose to protect and grow.
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
Scott,the NSW Govt is desperate for additional revenue and short of selling the Opera House and the harbour Bridge have sold everything else. If they had a soul they would sell that too. Thankfully they have no brains and it is only a matter of time before they are taken to the tip. Sport is tarnished in the grubby hands of politicians.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Sheek, The Minister has also come to the brilliant conclusion that because the horses and dogs on "Trackside" are not real they qualify for a smaller tax. I am sure this will become an election issue.
sheek
Guest
Thanks Scott, Have got my wires crossed there. Ah yes, "looking after the shareholders". Unfortunately, looking after the interests of the few is often at cross-purposes with the well-being of the many. No wonder society is so screwed so much of the time.....
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
sheek, The corporate betting agencies have nothing to do with "Trackside", it is owned by Tabcorp who plane to put it into as many outlets as possible with the green light from the government. Tabcorp are in the business of gaming and wagering and they are only doing their best for their shareholders, but the major concern is why are the people who are suppose to protect and grow the industry (RNSW) rubber stamping a product that will eat away at the core business and lose jobs for the participants.
sheek
Guest
Scott, I wish I could say something constructive here, but all I can feel is tremendous sadness as a noble sport is being destroyed by the ravenous greed of corporate betting agencies & other close-minded folk.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Robbo 100% spot on. What I cannot come to grips with is that the Racing NSW Chairman and the CEO both came out and said they support this initiative. "Trackside" is in direct competition to the RNSW core product which is REAL horse racing that provides real jobs. You do not need and breeders, trainers, jockeys or stable hands with a computer game, yet the Racing authority has rubber stamped it. Also the punters dollar which is how the industry gets funded,will be diluted.
Robbo
Guest
We have had Trackside at ACTTAB in Canberra for ages. I agree it is an absolute joke. The odds are monstrously bad. The game - despite the name - has absolutely nothing to do with sport. It is just a Casino game with a fancy screen. Unlike betting on sport there is ZERO skill involved - outcomes are totally randomised and are played only in a digital world. The game belongs in Casino's - not TAB's and Clubs.