well, I'm an STL guy as well, & here's the "skinny" in a nuthsell:

1. Instant Racing is great way to raise purses and finance what can be world class racing for more than just one week (Festival of Racing).

2. Instant Racing brings in @ $225 Million. The track brings in @ $75 million by itself. Total borught in now is @ $300 million.

3. The recent vote just barely passed (by a nose, as the website states) to expand instant racing. Makes good sense - for everyone (at least I thought that two months ago, even two weeks ago).

Let's continue with more facts...

4. The Instant racing room has a different pay scale for employees - yes that is correct, a bartender/security person,...makes more in the game room than the same job 40 yards down the hall...why? They are not even aware of this - till now.

5. Two promotions were scheduled last weekend (when live meet cancelled due to weather - simulcast remained open) - one in the game room, one for the live meet. One promowent on as advertised, the other was cancelled - not postponed, simply cancelled "till next year". Horsemen are not amused.

6. Last fact - the Instant Racing would not even exist if not for Oaklawn Race Track itself.

Conclusion - the track / ownership has lost sight of the horseplayer and the horsemen who are the ones responsible for Instant Racing in the first place...promises made, promises not fully kept...but as long as the people have their eye on something else, it'll continue. Ignorance is bliss, and they have pulled a fast one on the town and the horseplayers. If the vote comes up again, I won't be hoodwinked like last time - I'll oppose it, as the others who made it fly "by a nose" will also...stay tuned.