What Gives at Monticello Raceway

[bello]

The ignored delapita
zation is all part of the plan, to FORCE the daily gamblers into the Casino!

There is no casino and there are no gamblers. Virtually all the betting comes from off track.

[theokodjak26]

They are not handling that much per race
More like 15-40k. Once in while they will get to 50K in a race, but it's rare.
That said, I am amazed how much they do get for the racing quality they have.

I think you have MR mixed up with other harness tracks. MR consistently has race handles in the $40-$55K. It is kind of remarkable that the horse quality is so much better at many other east coast tracks but MR out handles them all except the Meadowlands. The worst example is Pocono Downs which many days has races with less than $20K. I blame this on the many cheating trainers there over the years and a fan base who just gave up on PD. How Tioga and Vernon stay in business with race handles under $10K is a mystery even with NY subsidies.

[Superfecta]

There is no casino and there are no gamblers. Virtually all the betting comes from off track.

That is true and it’s been done by design. That started when the first slot machine was plugged in. They did everything possible to frustrate the on track patrons and make sure they wouldn’t return and they succeeded. They stopped the 4th of July fireworks show that attracted people from all over the county. Those nights would get a full house like it was the 70’s again. When the slots shut down they took away the flowers and the nice display where you drive in. They really want the place to look like shit as well.

[theokodjak26]

Superfecta is 100% correct. How this dump exists is beyond me even with their strong handle. Let’s face it MR gets virtually no income from food, drinks, programs, parking, admissions etc etc. MR used to be mobbed which included a deli with hot freshly carved meats. Today you can’t even buy a used bagel. What kind of business model is this anyway? How cheap is MR? The last time I was there, about five years ago, the track photographer told me they don’t pay her a dime. She only makes money if someone buys a picture. One good thing for the few on-site fans MR. There isn’t any inflation there. Why? There isn’t anything there to buy!! This place is on a respirator.