This article on the closure on racetracks in New Jersey reminded me how far horseracing has fallen over the past half century. Before WW2, horse racing, boxing, and baseball were considered the country’s big three sports. We all know how corruption, belt inflation, and high profile crippling injuries has doomed boxing. But why did horse racing’s popularity collapse? I know the rapid expansion of gambling has hurt it, but there has to be more than that.
Plus, does anyone with knowledge of the New Jersey situation explain what’s going on? For example why does the state own the racetracks at all?
I assume you haven’t heard of Mine That Bird or Zenyatta?
I don’t have my Scarne’s Complete Guide to Gambling on me, but IIRC he said that the NJ state government basically took over all forms of gambling in a big anti-corruption drive, and taking over the state’s racetracks was part of that push. Of course, all that did was replace the corruption of organized crime with a different kind of corruption, but, hey, they tried.
There are now many more ways to gamble. There are now many more ways for city-dwellers to have a day out. There are now many more ways to amuse oneself at home.