Racinos Starting to Slip in South Florida
Monday, March 6, 2017

    After a highly successful run that began a decade ago, it appears that the South Florida racinos may have reached their apex. Seven months into the fiscal year, it looks like most of the slots venues are going to experience a slight downturn, with the possible exception of Calder and Hialeah Park. With five months remaining, however, it's not etched in stone, but a major upturn doesn't seem realistic. 

    Statistics supplied by the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering list Calder ahead of last year, although not by much, even after its takeout was lowered from an outrageous 9.11 to an outrageous 9.05. Same for Hialeah Park, although John Brunetti kept his takeout at a reasonable 6.51.

    Pompano Park, the perennial leader down south, is about on pace to equal last year's projections, with a minor takeout increase from 9.02 to 9.03, also in the outrageous category. Miami Jai Alai is down slightly despite raising its takeout from 6.20 to 6.42, and Flagler dogs is down a bit despite raising its takeout from 6.13 to 6.47. Gulfstream is still down after lowering its takeout from 7.61 to 7.09 and Hollywood dogs is down after raising its takeout from 8.05 to 8.41. Dania Jai Alai is still in deep trouble, and always will be, as it sits between Pompano, Hollywood and Gulfstream, and within a stone's throw of Hard Rock.

    To complicate the problem, FTBOA lobbyist Matt Bryan reported in a recent Wire-to-Wire article that knucklehead senator Bill Galvano has introduced a bill that's in committee that would allow slots in eight more counties in the state, and two more in the South Florida area. I will assume that some Vegas interests are pushing Galvano in his quest. Just what Miami needs, two more casinos to take revenue away from the rest. Good move, Bill.  

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