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Cant do it Tom, no more welfare
What you’re really saying is that nobody wants to bet on harness racing. I’m sure Indiana is no different from other states where the handle is far less than the purse money being paid out. So now you want to go ask for a handout?If harness racing can’t sustain itself, why should it be propped up with subsidies? Calling it a “fair share” from another industry is like asking for EBT cards to buy grain for your horses. It’s a joke when the purses are inflated but the betting numbers are embarrassing.
In My Opinion: The Time for Indiana Horsemen to Act Is NowIt’s becoming increasingly clear that a casino in Indianapolis is going to happen — with or without the support of Indiana horsemen. So why not get on board early and secure our fair share of the pie?Where are the forward-thinking leaders of the ISA, ITOBA, HBPA, and QHRAI? It’s time to step up, be proactive, and think strategically about the future of Indiana horse racing.Here are the facts:The proposed Indianapolis casino is projected to generate $494 million in adjusted gross receipts (AGR).Yes, the horsemen could lose an estimated $10–$14 million in purses from this development.But if we negotiate and secure 7% of that AGR, it would mean $34.5 million directly to the horsemen — a net gain of over $20 million dollars.This isn’t just about one casino. If the horsemen pushed for a flat 5% share of all casino gaming revenue in Indiana, the potential would be enormous. In 2025, statewide AGR for all casinos was $3 billion. Even a modest 3% share would bring in approximately $90 million annually — triple what we’re getting today. And that doesn’t even include revenue from the new downtown casino.It’s time for the ISA, ITOBA, HBPA, and QHRAI to look forward, not backward. The future of Indiana horse racing depends on vision, bold negotiation, and unity. Let’s not wait until it’s too late — let’s lead the charge.