If management of a racetrack can get alternative gaming, by all means it should do so, as it will enhance revenues and profits. But horse-racing owners and breeders are chasing fool’s gold if they expect alternative-gaming subsidies to last forever.

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In a battered state economy that is so dependent on the shaky “Big Three” automobile manufacturers, Ohio needs every job source it can get. Ohio’s seven racetracks directly and indirectly employ many people and account for considerable local and state tax revenues, as do the independent contractors like trainers, veterinarians, and feed suppliers, whose businesses depend on the racetracks and the farms. Horse racing is a sizeable agribusiness in Ohio and should be cultivated by elected officials. One sure way to do that is to allow the racetracks to be more competitive so that their customers are not lured to the racinos and casinos in nearby states.

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