Possible new harness raceway in PA?

[beaujolais]

http://abc27.com/2017/01/12/harness-racing-casino-planned-for-adams-county/

Well, I suppose it’s in the right direction, although it’s always sad to see when/if these things fail. Perhaps as a newer facility (more attractive than old, beat up raceways, sometimes) with new/fresh management, it has a shot. Can’t say I like the proposed name, though, just imo. Anyway, this would be great, “I think”.

Oh, what does this mean, though - “last remaining harness license”?

“he’s applying for Pennsylvania’s last remaining harness racing license. If he’s successful, he says he’ll apply for a gaming license”

[Laurierace]

All Racinos have the races as a necessary evil to get the gaming license so if they can’t get both they won’t do either. I don’t know much about harness racing so can’t really comment on the viability of it as far as the actual racing goes and whether it would be a good thing for the sport.

[beaujolais]

Thanks, Laurie. Gotcha, so the casino aspect will “carry/support” the racing through as it kinda does in many other places.

But, what does the “last remaining harness license” mean? Last remaining for now? For ever? Legislation can always change that, though, it seems, when the right people in the right spots want something different, I guess.

[Laurierace]

When the law was written it allowed for so many licenses so it could change but would need a new law.

Horses are always a necessary evil to keep the gaming license, there isn’t a racino out there that wouldn’t kick the horseman to the curb at the drop of the hat. To that end keep an eye on Iowa. Prairie Meadows was the first track to get slots and later on a full casino to augment their racing program. They were also the first to complain that the horses weren’t “carrying their own weight” so to speak and try to do away with the horses. They were reminded that the horses weren’t carrying their own weight all along which is why they got the slots and casino in the first place. God forbid they are ever successful in that it will undoubtedly set a precedence just like it did when they got slots.

[beaujolais]

Thanks for explaining!!

“keep an eye on Iowa”

Will do. That would be dreadful.

Necessary or not, I find casinos just creepy (not an eloquent term but it fits) and would never voluntarily choose to go into one. How degrading that our sport “has to be” hooked to this. Sigh.