I think it is a joke what NYRA is doing and especially what they say, as most of it seems like a campaign to show they have been reformed after their federal indictment. If NYRA thinks the $5 and $10 bettor is concerned about who is getting rebates, they are crazy. Bill Nader states
"While we value the loyalty of these fans to our product, we must take proactive steps to protect the integrity of our pari-mutuel pools until we can know more about the ownership, clientele, and business practices of these simulcast outlets". If I was NYRA, I think they should worry about cleaning up in house first and explain to the public why trainers like Dutrow Jr, Lake, Asmussen and others constantly move horses up beyond reason, why horses are being bet when they enter the stretch or far turn and why some jockeys who should not even be allowed to jog horses are able to race in the afternoon.

Regarding the rebate discussion, the people and/or syndicates that bet millions of dollars a week through the rebate shops that were banned by NYRA will no longer bet at NYRA tracks because they do not have a monetary advantage anymore. They will not bet this kind of money unless they are getting rebates back probably around an average of 10% of their total wagers. The people who bet this money are probably not crooked and as far as I know, neither are a majority of the rebate shops. At some point in time, these rebate shops negotiated a takeout rate with NYRA in which both NYRA and the rebate shop could make money. That is how the rebate shops are able to stay in business, by probably only making about .5% on the total handle, with most of the money going to the bettors.

I also noticed the Excelsior Casino in Aruba was banned as a secondary wagering outlet. Having spent alot of time in Aruba over the past 15 years, I would guess the weekly handle at this casino is probably about $10,000/week with Excelsior acting like an OTB, taking 5% out of all winning wagers. I do not think this amount of money bet (especially with a 5% takeout) will draw any unsavory types NYRA hopes to root out.

The bottom line is the people at NYRA do not know how to run a business and take care of their best customers, much like it is in NJ. I could bet on-line at any number of off shore sites and get 35 back on my total wagers. I can bet $15,000 a week at Monmouth Park and get 1%. If you were running a business in which you take a percentage of the money that is bet, would you want to reward a guy who bets $100/day or the guy who bets $1000/day.

Although I hate to say it, at this poit it appears Frank Stronach is the only knowledgable businessman as he has not cut off betting from these rebate shops at either Gulfstream or Santa Anita, where most of the money is bet in the winter.

Just one mans opinion.