"The joke about the NYOTB is that is it is only bookmaker in the world which loses money--several million a year on a billion-plus handle. OTB's are filthy, clerks strongly unionized and overpaid (Remember the wages of NY public school janitors?), surly and some not above short-changing immigrant patrons.
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Actually, NYC earned $35M from OTB in 2000. (NY Times)
to continue: "The partnership(winning bidders)said it would try to convert OTB centers that today are little more than wagering stands into places that perhaps serve food, have tables and couches and televisions that show other sports. The city has attempted this kind of atmosphere at three betting parlors it calls teletheatres and at 4 restaurants, but Magna would expand and enhance this effort, said Jim McAlpine, Magna's chief executive.
"We want to change the atmosphere," said Mr. McAlpine, who added that the city's betting parlors, as well as some racetracks and other betting parlors in the country, can seem threatening to some women and others. "We want it to be an entertainment site, where people come with their family and friends and have a good time." -NY Times, Fri., Aug. 3, 2001
Well, it's a theory. |
