Second HANA Harness Survey Underway

Harness horseplayers - very rarely asked for opinion - were for the first time a part of a major survey on the sport here at HANA. The response rate was very good. We have now created a second survey to build on some of the first survey's broad results. How do you feel about judging? If the Meadowlands shuts down will you play another track? Do you bet trotters more than pacers, or vice-versa? How did you get interested in racing?

If you would like to share your opinion on those questions and more, please click the link below.

HANA Harness, Survey two here

We thank you in advance!

California Owner Organizations Battle

Press Release issued yesterday:

Horsemen representing owners and owner/trainers have formed the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Alliance (CTHA) to represent the owners (including owner/trainers) in the State of California. California Law allows only one organization to be the official representative of horsemen.

CTHA believes that the interests of the horsemen have not been properly represented. TOC has made many decisions that have contributed to that decline, including:

1. fail to disclose the receipt of in excess of one million dollars from NTRA

2. refuse a unique opportunity to secure concessions from the Indians, when the Indians were seeking renewal of their compacts

3. spend in excess of one million dollars (of horsemen’s money) in an effort to fund a group seeking to purchase Santa Anita

4. hold all meetings behind closed doors

5. disenfranchise owner/trainers

6. condone and encourage wagers that result in handle declines

7. lack of support for Northern California racing

8. veto contractual opportunities with Australia

9. failure to respond to the horseplayers’ boycott

The CTHA’s number one goal is to unify the horsemen into one powerful, cohesive, transparent and pro-active unit. The TOC has refused the opportunity to avoid the potential decertification by merely allowing its constituency (the owners) to vote on the central issue-should all owners be allowed to serve as directors of the TOC or should the current TOC board unilaterally determine that only certain owners may serve?

The CTHA stands ready, willing and able to pursue decertification of TOC, if necessary.

The CTHA has received unprecedented support from horsemen since the formation of this entity, with encouragement to pursue a goal of insuring that the continued failure by TOC board members to act in a financially prudent manner and to fulfill the fiduciary duty imposed upon them will no longer be tolerated.

The original principals of the CTHA are: J.F. Ernenwein, Gloria Haley, Mike Harrington, Aase Headley, Roger Licht, Henry Moreno, John Sadler, George Schmitt, Cory Wellman, and David Wilson. Roger Licht stated: “I am proud to be a part of CTHA. The industry knows that change is needed. The CTHA is committed to providing leadership that recognizes its fiduciary responsibility, as well as engaging the entire racing community in strategic long-term approaches aimed toward resurrecting California horse racing. If necessary, CTHA will actively pursue the decertification of the TOC, in accord with the rights granted the horsemen under California Law.”

CHRB Uncoupling Rule : Most HANA Members in Favor

The CHRB has asked for player feedback about uncoupling entries. Most HANA members are in favor of the rule change, with over 40% strongly approving of it (click to enlarge). For background, click here.

Woodbine Drops Tri Takeout 2 Full Points

We are sensing a trend in 2011 - tracks fighting for your business. In addition, Woodbine is offering a $100,000 guarantee on select harness pick 4's.

Art Wilson Dives Into California's Problems

Writing in the Pasadena Star-News, Wilson:

"Somehow, I don't think former Santa Anita president Ron Charles is second-guessing his decision to resign last year."


"According to sources who prefer to remain anonymous because they are not authorized to speak on the subject, Santa Anita officials knew early on in meet they were in trouble and tried to add a low-takeout exotic bet to their wagering menu, only to be rebuffed by the Thoroughbred Owners of California and the California Horse Racing Board"

More at the link

Mike Maloney Talks Derby

I had to give HANA VP Mike Maloney a ring about something yesterday, and of course the conversation centered on horses. Mike was in his usual spot – at the track betting – and we talked Derby. For those who may be interested, here's Mike's take on a few of the colts vying for the big prize in May.

Uncle Mo – "It’s pretty impossible for me to fault his ability. He has dynamite numbers and is very imposing. Indian Charlie is overdue for a horse like this.  His pedigree is enough for a mile and a quarter, too, so I don’t see a problem with that.  Obviously he’s not value horse for future's players, but he is probably everyone’s most-likely winner. The big question – is he tractable enough to handle a 20 horse field at distance?"

Premier Pegasus – "I love this horse. I thought his San Felipe win was the best Derby prep of the year, and it is not even close.  I totally disagree with people discounting this horse off his last due to the fractions. For him to go blinkers off, take off an insane pace and show the explosion he did through the finish is hugely impressive. Maybe he doesn’t have the perfect style for the Derby, but that is my only fault for him.  I think this horse is a lot closer to Uncle Mo than people are giving him credit for."

Dialed In – I think is an absolute contender; one of the three likely winners. Bred to get the trip, great connections, and his last race does not bother me a bit.  If he shows a decent finish in the FL Derby, even if not winning, I think he will be fine.

Quick Takes:

Soldat – “I’ve been betting him, but I am not sold on him yet. I am more inclined to use Gourmet Dinner for value.”

To Honor and Serve – “His last race does not bother me, but I don’t see him winning the Derby”

The Factor – “I have no interest in him as a contender”

Jaycito – “I hated that last race”

Stay Thirsty – “Not fast enough”

Sway Away – “I’m throwing out his last. He’s a definite contender.”

Tapizar –“ I think he has very little chance to win”

Mucho Macho Man – “Does not thrill me at all”

Who has impressed you so far? Do you agree or disagree with Mike?

Low Take, Guaranteed Pick 4 Pools for Harness Fans in April

In conjunction with the United States Trotting Association, Balmoral Park, Yonkers Raceway and Northfield Park will all be offering guaranteed Pick 4 pools in April.

Beginning Saturday, April 2, Balmoral Park’s Pick 4 wagers will have guaranteed pools of $15,000 on Saturdays and $25,000 on Sunday nights. The guaranteed pools will be in effect throughout the entire month of April.

Yonkers will offer $15,000 guaranteed pools on their late Pick 4 every Saturday and Monday while Northfield will offer $10,000 guaranteed pools on their Friday and Saturday cards.

The tracks will work together to stagger post times as much as possible in order to give gamblers a chance to play into each tracks Pick 4 pools on the nights when the tracks are competing.

Balmoral Park’s Pick 4 will take place over the last four races every Saturday and Sunday. Tentatively, Yonkers late Pick 4 will take place on Races 7 through 10 and Northfield's Pick 4 will consist of Races 8 through 11.

(With files from Balmoral Park)

We Could Not Say it Any Better

Sometimes all that is needed is a link.

Playersboycott.org Update: Handle Losses Exceed $100 Million

Playersboycott.org has updated some statistics, including gross revenues for CA horse racing on the main site here.

"Here we are, barely three months in after the takeout increase. The trend is crystal clear.  All sources handle on California's two thoroughbred tracks is off over $100 million."

More at link.

Beanie Barbaro Goes to College

Beanie Barbaro

Beanie Barbaro, the well-traveled mascot of retired thoroughbreds, has previously met Edgar Prado, the World's Largest Buffalo, Tommy the Barn cat at Fair Hills Stable, and many more sites in and around racing. This past week, the University of Southern California welcomed the puffed pony with open arms. The kids in the Economics Department learned from Beanie about horse retirement, and in return, they taught Beanie a little bit about racetrack economics.

"Whinnee! It was a marvelous experience" said Beanie. "This was my first trip to the West Coast. I heard some funny things about it from my pals out east, like they have expensive carrots and every horse there had manicured hooves. This was not true. The horses are the same, and the people were nice; just more tanned."

Beanie chronicled his visit below.

Beanie entering USC. He's not sure what to make of the half-naked man with a sword

Off to the economics department.

"These people are smart" thought Beanie

"We were happy to see Beanie at the Economics building," added an unnamed student. "He was a quick learner, too!"

Beanie then made his way to the bookshelf of So Cal Thoroughbred Rescue's Caroline Betts.

 

"Whinnee. I did not think economics could be so fun" said Beanie

Here he got a primer on some of the things he would be studying during the day. He began learning about production possibility curves, and it was going well. But he replaced "guns and butter" with "carrots and oats".

"In this case, we're okay with that," said Ms. Betts.

 After being prepped, Beanie moved on to the "white board". It was here he started to learn about takeout.

Beanie, engaged on the topic of juice

"He seemed to grasp the concept pretty quickly." said an unnamed student. "You could tell, because when he saw the rate it was like a vet just checked his temperature"

Beanie startled. "Holy Whinnie" he exclaimed

After stopping for a McOat at the drive-thru on the way home, Beanie was thankful and reflective during his paddock time.

Beanie paddocks alone, because he is imposing

"I would like to thank everyone for treating me so well at the University. It was an eye-opening experience and one I will never forget. A big shout-whinnie to everyone out there working to help grow our sport, and give horses like me a better life."

If you'd like to help Beanie help other horses please consider giving to your favorite horse retirement charity. They need our help.

For the full set of pictures for the USC visit, please go to SoCal's Facebook page here.

Five Ways To Improve the Industry

Including comments from you at HANA, and Cary Fotias.

They are all here.

What Can We Do to Show Support?

With tracks like Hastings Park lowering take, making positive changes to simulcast and trying to offer a better product by raising some purses we think we can all agree that support is needed.

What can we do?

Speaking to Jeff Platt we figure we can offer out some past data on track bias, trainer and rider data etc, through Jeff's database. We think that's a start.

HANA Harness has been talking to some harness tracks trying to offer support, too.

But can we do more? Any ideas?

Pool parties, webpages, coordination and everything else takes time; and time is at a premium these days. Does anyone want to get involved? Do you have some html skill to run a webpage updating tracks like Hastings who are doing the right thing? Any other ideas that we can work on together?

Slowly but surely racetracks are proving it is a time for change - positive, customer-centric change. Let's support those who have changed, and see if we can do some good.

Please let us know if you have any ideas, or if you want to take ownership of a brand new initiative. We're available via all means, twitter, facebook or via email (info@hanaweb.org)

Finley: Hastings Say "Yes" To Customers

Today at ESPN.com Bill Finley has a look at Hastings Park and their recent decision to massively lower takeouts:

"On the heels of Santa Anita raising its takeout, something that has clearly alienated many customers, Hastings went in the opposite direction. Mutti decided to go the extra mile for the fan. Not only did they lower the takeout, they put in Wi-Fi throughout the grandstand, upgraded their graphics package for their video presentations and created a Pick Five with a carryover component. The Pick Four takeout went from 22.3 percent to 15, a decrease of 36 percent. "We are trying to reengage the horseplayer that we might have lost, not only locally but throughout the marketplace," he said."

More at link.

Northfield Harness Slashes Rakes to 14%, Guarantees Pools

Northfield to lower takeout on three wagers
Monday, March 14, 2011 - by Keith Gisser, for Northfield Park

Northfield, OH --- Next month, Northfield Park wagering fans across the continent will be in the green instead of being mellow yellow.

Effective April 1, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 wagers at Northfield will have a reduced takeout of just 14 percent, more than a one-third reduction from the previous rate. That will increase pool sizes on the multi-race wagers, according to Executive Vice President of Racing Dave Bianconi.

Northfield is also participating in a joint program with the USTA to guarantee $10,000 Pick 4 pools every Friday and Saturday in April.

That one-two punch will increase returns to patrons and might even be enough to get Donovan Leitch to take a shot at the wager.

The Pick 5 is a $1 wager conducted on races three through seven each live race night, while the Pick 4 is available on races 8-11. There are Pick 3 wagers offered on races 3-5, 6-8 and 9-11.

http://xwebapp.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/templates/?a=41468&z=63

Note: with more and more tracks jumping aboard lower takeout and/or special offers, we at HANA need some help (again!). We'd like to set up a player resource page, so horseplayers can have a place to find takeout changes, pool guarantees, etc. If anyone out there knows html, or has some web talent, and some time; please let us know info@hanaweb.org.

SA, GG and Tampa Handle Numbers - Updated

About a month ago a HANA member sent us some of the handle numbers at three racetracks. He has continued his tabulating and we present them again; here they are (unverified equibase data).

Golden Gate Fields

Santa Anita

Tampa Bay Downs

Andrew Cohen Publishes Your Thoughts

The recently concluded HANA Harness survey has been making some waves. Andrew Cohen the CBS Legal Analyst and horse owner speaks of the survey today. 

"That’s why the poll released last week by the Harness Arm of the Horseplayers Association of North America ought to be required reading for every significant player in the Standardbred industry. These are the sports customers— or used to be the sport’s customers—and they are giving the industry a gift by sharing their views about the “product” we produce."

We not only thank each and every one of you for taking the time to do the survey, we also thank the members who have joined the HANA Harness side and have already gotten involved.

We'd also like to thank Abe for representing us so proudly at the Dan Patch Awards. This was not lost on Andrew as he also wrote about that.

Abe and Jason at the Awards

"The good news, especially as it relates to the Meadowlands, is that Jeff Gural and Jason Settlemoir  understand all this. As president of the United States Harness Writers Association, for example, Settlemoir this year gave out one of his President’s Awards to the HANA. It was accepted by Abe Diamond and his wife, who sat next to me at the Dan Patch Awards late last month. I bought Mrs. Diamond a drink but next year the USTA or USHWA or someone else should shoot to sponsor an entire HANA table. The organization, through its Hana Harness Arm, will continue to conduct polling of interest to our industry. We have to listen harder than we ever have before. "

If you have not already joined the HANA Harness Team but want to share your opinion, get involved or be updated on the groups progress please email Allan@hanaweb.org. Harness racing wants to listen and fix many of their problems, so let's help them!

Get Well Soon Mr. Shear

Ninety-year old John Shear, a Santa Anita paddock guard was injured yesterday trying to protect a young girl from being potentially trampled.

"As seen live on simulcast television, Shear, instead of dropping the perimeter rope he was holding and protecting himself, ran in front of the loose horse and threw himself in front of and on top of the young girl in the crowd, who appeared to be three or four years of age. "


We got a note this morning from Bill, who is a HANA board member. Bill has had the pleasure to meet both John and his wife. Bill commented:

I know his wife, Diane through the internet, and met John about 6 or 7 years ago on a trip to Hollywood Park. They are most definitely some great people. I bet it would lift his spirits to get a ton of e-mails from horseplayers.

Jeff sent one on behalf of us at HANA below:

John,

The Horseplayers Association of North America (HANA), a group of 1900 horseplayers throughout the U.S and Canada  wish you a speedy and complete recovery from your injuries. Your selfless actions on March 12th were truely heroic and for that we salute you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jeff Platt, President Horseplayers Association of North America

If you have come across John, or even if you haven't, please consider sending him a note via Huntington Hospital's email feature here.  It only takes a minute to brighten someone's day.

California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) Talk Prices

On the Horse Racing Business Blog (one of the best ones out there on the Business of Racing) Alan F. Balch, Executive Director of the CTT chimes in with a thoughtful piece on pricing, and racing.

On the "2%, or 3%" measuring stick that racing likes to use:

"That makes the takeout on those bets now 22.68% and 23.68% respectively – increases of 9.7% and 14.5%, from the previous takeout on both types of exotics, which was 20.68%. (“Only” two and three points more in the takeout, we are relentlessly reminded as by our grammar school arithmetic teachers, are really a lot more.) "

In regard to the takeout increase and player backlash:

"About the only good thing I can see in this controversy is that a bright light is now shining on a subject that has bothered me for nearly 40 years. Bets on the races are still priced as though we are in the Stone Age. Everywhere, not just in California."

On studying prices and not clinging to age-old monopolistic dogma:

"First, recognize the problem for what it is – fundamental. Second, brainstorm and explore the theoretical and practical opportunities (given the present need of enabling legislation) for flexible takeout. Third, recognize the impact of local, regional, national, and international competition for the gaming, sports, and entertainment dollar, and then use a sophisticated understanding of it to unsparingly inform all potential pricing scenarios."


That's a bravo article. It is all horseplayers are asking for: To move pricing into this century so we can support, market and sell the game we love to friends, family and gamblers of other skill-games; as well as making sure we maximize profits to purses thorough optimal pricing.

The CTT are looking for a foothold in California racing at the expense of the TOC. By speaking about pricing in this fashion (i.e. updating it and studying it in today's gambling world for everyone's benefit) taking them lightly as a CA racing leader is probably not a wise decision.

Switching Gambling Games: Rosenfeld

HANA Harness Working Group member (something we just started in January here at HANA) Seth Rosenfeld speaks to Bill Finley about how he went from a 90% harness bettor to a 50/50 thoroughbred-harness bettor.

Seth is a tremendous asset to racing, from his help with the Hambletonian Society and his role as an owner and breeder.

Rosenfeld wants to be part of the solution. He is closely involved with The Horseplayers Association of North America (HANA) and has been working with Chris Schick on a program that should be unveiled later this year that will guarantee pool sizes for bets like the Pick Four at some harness tracks. He believes in Schick's ideas and is encouraged that groups like the USTA and the Hambletonian Society have embraced the Schick plan and other efforts to make the game more palatable.


More at link (pdf file alert)

Thomas Chambers Takes His Shot

In a well-written reply to Illinois columnist Eric Zorn's piece about the death of racing and race-betting, Thomas Chambers stands up for us horseplayers and racing fans:

"Sorry you had to fall prey to the horseplayer stereotype, but my handicapping friends, characters as they may be, are some of the nicest and loyal friends you could want, and they're intelligent too. They've spent their lives working hard and keep sharp through the mental calisthenics of handicapping races. And they can teach you a few things about life itself."

More at above link.

Tourney Play at Twinspires & Other Notes

Twinspires.com is offering a good-value tournament beginning March 12th.

"The new handicapping tournament series offers weekly competitions every Saturday, which culminate in November 2011 with the TwinSpires.com Online Handicapping Championship.

The $1,000 buy-in championship will offer a guaranteed $100,000 first-place prize and a guaranteed 50 seats to the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship or Coast Casinos Horse Player World Series."

PETA seems to be leaving racing alone, for a brief period anyhoo. They are protesting outside Mike Tyson's house this week. Bad pigeons, bad Tyson.

There was a lot of controversy (as everyone knows now) about this past weekend's Big Cap. For a full review about what opinions you have had, Raceday 360 has them tagged here. There are very few issues in racing or handicapping where there seems to be 50/50 agreement or disagreement. This looks like one of them!

New mediums like Twitter can be more than just chit-chat. Sid Fernando has a "best of twitter blogs daily" that he creates and it is usually filled with interesting reading. Sid has a very interesting perspective on breeding, and if you are interested in that end of handicapping, or are a horse owner, or wanna-be owner, he's a good person to follow.

What about Da Real Just Ralph (Just Ralph was taken by a Nigerian guy who I don't think likes betting horse racing)? He has tweeted some winners lately. We're following Ralph.

Eddie Murray of the UK decided to try professional gambling several years ago. He summed up his first year in a reprinted piece here.

Kaplan: NASCAR Responsive to Fans, Horse Racing Isn't

In this month's "The View" Darryl Kaplan looks at a recent episode in NASCAR and its response to fans and customers.

"On Saturday February 12, the first NASCAR race of 2011 was contested at Daytona Motor Speedway. Following the event – the Budweiser Shootout – fans took to Twitter, Facebook and chat boards to complain that the three-wide movement and action they love was missing from the race.

Apparently drivers were taking a new tandem drafting approach and cars were simply going too fast. While drivers and car owners contended they were simply following the rules, all was not well with the product on the track.

Can you guess what happened next? Because it’s auto racing, and not horse racing, you probably can – the fans won a decisive and immediate victory.

Like in horse racing, owners, teams, sponsors and drivers have huge investments in the sport. Unlike in horse racing, the fan was put first in a decisive, no nonsense manner. For NASCAR, meaningful change to improve the flow of a race can be addressed in 18 hours. Sadly, the timeline for a similar change in horse racing is closer to 18 years."

Read more of the column here.

Dan Patch Awards Night Pic

HANA member (one of the original sign-ups and a huge fan of racing) Abe Diamond accepting the President's Award on behalf of all of you from USHWA Director Jason Settlemoir.

National Players Boycott Awareness

The National Players Boycott of California Racing, sponsored by HANA, has been analyzed in terms of awareness at Thorotrends.com. The grid is below.

An increasing number of players are aware, and have been participating, according to this survey.

For full results of the survey, which covered myriad topics in thoroughbred racing, please visit Thorotrends,

Preliminary Results of the HANA Harness Racing Survey

The first survey by HANA Harness has concluded and the working group is reviewing the results.  Since further surveying will be occurring, partially based on the results of this survey, we would like to share some of the findings of the initial survey.  Once all the surveying has been completed, HANA expects to release the full survey results to its members.

To no one’s surprise, the Meadowlands was the most popular harness track for wagering by survey respondents with 39% of the respondents listing the Meadowlands as their favorite track to wager on.  Following the Meadowlands was Mohawk (10%), Woodbine (6%), and Balmoral Park with (5%).  While not the first choice amongst bettors, other tracks getting sizable support as their second and third favorite tracks are The Meadows, Northfield Park, and Yonkers Raceway.  As for simulcasting programs, over 43% of the respondents indicated the Meadowlands has the best simulcasting show.

Horseplayers also indicated that horse racing is their gaming choice with 83% of their gambling income being wagered on horse racing.  Most horseplayers wager on standardbred and thoroughbred racing, with them gambling approximately 20% more on harness racing.

Respondents indicated they wager 66% of their handle through ADWs, followed by being at the track, and OTW locations.  20% of the respondents wager only at racetracks or simulcast locations while the majority of ADW gamblers have one or two accounts to meet their gambling needs.

When asked what type of races they like to wager on, stakes finals, claiming and conditioned races are the most popular.  Races for green horses - non-winners of two races and maiden events -  are amongst the least popular.   Somewhat surprising is gamblers don’t particularly care for those late closing events that harness tracks tend to use to make up most of their non-overnight programs, as only 6% of the respondents listed late closing events as their favorite wagering propositions.

There is a lot of dissatisfaction with harness racing amongst horseplayers as 54% of the respondents indicate they are less than satisfied with their harness racing experience.    In this part of the survey, respondents were given the opportunity to list why they consider the racing experience less than satisfying.  High takeout rates, tiny pools, drugs, the integrity of trainers (especially the “super trainers”), late odds changes were among the most mentioned complaints.  When attempting to quantify the issues, horseplayers are extremely concerned with public perception, pool integrity, takeout rates, the use of illegal medication and drugs, and small pool sizes.  With regards to gamblers, many respondents feel the trainer, owner and horse should be suspended for drug positives. 

Pool dilution is a major concern of gamblers as well. Using the quiniella as a trial balloon, gamblers rejected it solidly in that it will draw money away from the exacta pools.  The pentafecta (super high five) which has been tried at a few tracks is another wager many harness players have little interest in – possibly again due to pool dilution concerns.   

At this point, we can’t say any new wagers wouldn’t be accepted (HANA will be conducting in a subsequent survey gambler’s responses to wagers offered outside of North America to see if there is interest in some of these wagers sometime soon), but it is clear if some wagers are added to a particular race, another wager must come off the table for that race, which may not be hard to do. The general consensus in the survey is that after WPS, exacta and trifecta wagering, other exotics should be offered on selected races instead of all races.  Respondents also indicate with the exception of WPS wagering, the minimum wager should be $1 (or less when it comes to superfectas, and Pick-x wagers).   

  

Harness racing players are certainly traditional.  The idea of races over or under a mile doesn’t appeal to them as does having races with two tiers of horses.  There does seem to be some acceptance for a trailer on a half and five-eighths mile track, and possibly two trailers on a seven-eighths or larger oval.  Racing on a mile track is preferred by the majority of respondents but in a somewhat surprising result, half mile racing is slightly preferred over the five-eighths oval. 

With regards to half mile racing, the respondents felt the problems specific to them were, in order, post position bias, low payoffs, no movement, and small pools.  Respondents felt the best way to resolve things would be to handicap races, putting the best horses to the outside.  A staggered starting gate was also ranked highly. At the Meadowlands, questionable trainers, buddy-buddy driving tactics and lack of flow were the top three major issues.  As for the WEG tracks, lack of movement, the buddy-buddy system of driving and questionable trainers were the top three perceived problems with gamblers.

When asked if they prefer conditioned racing over classified racing, the vast majority of people like conditioned racing; however  they have problems with the way conditions are written and feel  the past performance program must better report the extended conditions being used; a program showing nw2cd is not sufficient enough.  While conditioned racing has many supporters, classified racing is basically, a 50-50 proposition with gamblers.

Despite the defeat of the fair start rule in the NJRC, three quarters of all respondents want to see the fair start rule implemented with the fair start pole being 200’ from the finish lin.  Clearly gamblers don’t want to see their wagers going up to smoke before a race really gets started.  Gamblers want to see the tote system revised to prevent late odd changes and feel a lower takeout would increase their wagering and feel the lower takeout rate would reignite and interest of the gambling public.

The demand for exchange wagering is clearly here.  Gamblers are unsatisfied with the existing wagering system with the late odds changes and high takeout rates.  

We were very happy that our survey was well-represented across age-demographics.  40% of our respondents were between the ages of 26 and 49.  As well players across all wagering segments (from under $2000 wagered per year to million dollar plus bettors) were well represented.