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OTB Looks to Class Up Its Image
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 4, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 4, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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Will off-track betting attract bettors beyond the stereotypical old men in rumpled clothing? The NYC Off-Track Betting Corporation is hoping that a makeover will attract more customers, telling the SUN it will "break down the barriers that exist for people to try sports racing."
A study found that OTB is underutilized (PDF) and needs to grow in order for it to continue to give the city and state revenue. NYC OTB president Raymond Casey explained, "An OTB parlor built 30 years ago is not an environment welcoming to some people. It's not a look I'm particularly proud of. … The demographic we have now is not the demographic for the future."
Here are some of the examples of the OTB making itself more accessible: Allowing bets online by fall; betting by cellphone or Blackberry; creating new OTB parlors that have flat panel TVs and nicer decor; freestanding betting kiosks that go in bars (according to the Daily News, the kiosks would be interactive, much like Keno or video lottery). And young people with disposable income, look out: The OTB is looking for you (especially you ladies).
And this weekend, the OTB is setting up a tent in Times Square for bets during the Belmont races.
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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