A New Beginning - 2020

The world has made another trip around the sun and the process starts all over again. - What seemed like yesterday is back in full effect and ready to begin. - I love how players come out the last day of the year or the first day of the New Year. - The real players hit both. They want to go out on a winning note and kick off the New Year in fine fashion.

Every year we start a list of how we're going to change and what we're not going to do anymore. - Eat right, exercise more, and get focused on our gambling. That's the usual to-do list for anyone who bets the ponies, plays cards, or tosses the dice. - The gambler's wish list.

I used to enjoy talking to players from every walk. - There were some who played small and frequent and others who bet my paycheck in a single race. That was the neatest thing to see working at the races. - You would walk through the rows with just a few words here and there, and others you'd pull up a seat and yack for an hour. I used to start around noon and by the time my first trip through the Carroll seats was complete, it was time for a late lunch. - I would ask a player at random who was one of the regulars to join me for a late lunch or an early dinner.

If they had a buddy they would be invited as well. - We would have some grub and talk about the horses. Sometimes they would make bets during lunch all the while getting to know each other. - This time was not a sales pitch or a customer service angle. It was friends breaking bread and enjoying the day. - This was the best part of my job. - It's when I got to know the lifeblood of our sport.

When I would see other good players in their usual seats I would drop them a note to enjoy lunch in the dining room on the house. - Who said there's nothing better than a free lunch? - It was connecting with your most important people at the ground level. Everyone enjoys being recognized and receiving a little "thank you." If you invest in your players they'll become loyal and true. - Just treat them as you'd enjoy. It's just that simple. - Management doesn't look to racing as a growth industry and doesn't yield the same payout as the VLT's, Instant Racing, or slots. But, it does offer a great opportunity to cross-promote your product.

I work with a gent who loves racing. We talk shop and gab about the sport. - He told me that he wanted a full-time gig to do player development. - I asked him the $10 question. " What do you plan to do? - I'm just gonna walk around and talk to people and get to know them." - " What are you gonna do at your track, Ed? - I'm gonna come over and take your best 10 players with sweet offers and amenities you can't give. - He looked at me like I was crazy. "How do you plan to do that? - Easily." - I'll leave the 90% of small to medium players you can chase your tail trying to hold a conversation with no offers or rewards. - I sure hope he gets that job. - I'm not about to give you a Machiavellian glimpse into The Prince, but I will come loaded with an arsenal of ammo to give the players what they want. Treat them fair and appreciate them with a whole new plan. - It will work. It has before and somethings never go out of style. When is the last time you heard of people being treated fairly and they left unsatisfied? - Never.

As 2020 is on our heals and the New Year brings promise and hope. I'm betting racing will undergo a facelift like you haven't seen in the past 50 years. - White elephant tracks are being torn down and replaced with streamlined facilities that make it an entertainment destination. - The ball is getting ready to drop and hope fills our hearts. For the sport, there will need to be some drastic changes. - I think 2020 will be the year racing starts a comeback. It may be slow but we're going to focus on what's important.

Have a safe and Happy New Year from your friends at Winning Ponies! - We will always be your one-stop-shop for all things racing. - Blogs, free selections, stories, The Winning Ponies Internet Show, and the one-of-a-kind Winning Ponies E-Z Win Forms. - If you haven't tried your hand at downloading the E-Z Win Forms, it's never too late to start. Matter of fact. Make 2020 the year you take your game to the next level. With over $9,406,424 in exotic payouts for the year, it may be your turn to step up to the plate.

Best of luck in 2020 from the Winning Ponies team!