I think that TGJB and Thehoarsehorseplayer are actually dancing around the same bonfire - that the "middlemen" (a group in which I guess TGJB is now a member - sort of) are the big winners in the current situation and thus, have a big stake in keeping things as is and, in fact, would love to see increased takeout rates, which would drive even more bettors toward rebate shops.

It is not a stretch to think that some of the bigger shops either individually or collectively may now begin to lobby for higher takeout rates through various "respected" third parties in the disingenuous guise of "helping horseman and increasing state revenues" (while most of us figure raising takeout will probably have the exact opposite effect) and perhaps eventually even lobby to prevent tracks from cutting out the middlemen in the disingenuous guise that proposed track rebate programs would be "unfair" to the little guy (while most of us know that the little guy is not being treated "fairly" by existing rebate shops and would not likely be any worse off if the tracks began their own rebate programs and cutout the rebate shops).

I could see how both lobbying efforts might play very effectively for quite some time, regardless of what the data says. Just look at the similar rhetoric (increasing tax rates to raise revenues while ensuring "fairness") which is a staple and popular political theme.

The seemingly obvious, "best" solution that would benefit just about everyone in the long run is to lower takeout rates but that would definitely not be popular with the rebate shops who suddenly have a much larger stake in the game than they did only a few years ago and which makes things that much more complicated.

The sad part is that technology has recently provided a platform upon which Racing could grow significantly in a manner that could benefit just about everyone involved but there is a good chance that it will become yet another wasted opportunity.

Chris

P.S. I hope we are not giving anyone any ideas...