Can Slots Help Horses?

Maryland voted last week to approve the addition of slot machines to various horse racetracks in the state. While most voters said they only did so to benefit schools from the revenue that would supposedly be seen due to that change, many are skeptical that the addition of slots will really have that big of an effect on the industry. Still others are clinging steadfastly to the idea, as it is a symbol of hope for the years to come, after the past decade has seen a severe decrease in revenue for the suffering horseracing industry.

Some are actually criticizing the measure, saying that it is only aiding those who are rich and privileged enough to participate in the sport, at the expense of the lower income population who usually frequents slot machines. It is true that historically equestrian events have been something of stature and financial wealth. However, many claim that these tracks are actually small businesses, and as such there are many lower income people that will be benefitting from an increase in revenue that the slot machines will bring. Other than yes, the wealthy horse owners, there are hundreds of other employees that are hoping that the added revenue will mean stability for their own jobs.

The new legislation includes a few incentives to encourage the success of horseracing in the state, which translates into more positives than negatives. Still as with anything related to land and online slots, there are two sides. People are also arguing the usual stance that low income people will become addicted. But since when did anything ever get accomplished by listening to naysayers?