Monday, June 23, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

HomeViewpointsLettersEconomic development through...

Economic development through horse racing is imaginary

Presently, the real revenues from commercial horse racing would be from off-track-betting run out of a simulcast location across the State.

To the editor:

Some people have argued that they want horse racing at the Great Barrington Fairgrounds because we “need the revenues.” While my objections revolve around many factors, let’s ask what are the expected revenues versus what we would give up?

While real estate taxes provided $23.3 million to cover our expenses (town and school) in Fiscal 2019, we need to be mindful that local taxes and fees already make a positive contribution. According to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, in Fiscal 2019, the town generated $3.0 million in “Local and Other Revenues” which helped lower our taxes. A large amount came from lodging and restaurant revenues ($.8 million). Motor vehicle and other fees made up much of the remainder. But a bright source of growth began appearing from cannabis retail sales with a $.2 million contribution that same year. We know that this source of cannabis sales is expected to meet or exceed $1 million for the coming year.

So how much can we expect in revenue from horse racing?

If Senate Bill 101 were to become law, the community revenue formulation within it would give Great Barrington a very low percentage of on-track betting, specifically .35 percent of money gambled at the track. Therefore, if on-track betting generated $10 million, our portion would amount to $35,000, a drop in the bucket of our Great Barrington budget. 

We know that the two years of commercial horse racing back in the mid-1990’s was money losing, $1.1 million lost in two years. Henry Vara needed simulcasting to keep racing alive, to which the GB populace promptly voted “NO” three years in a row. 

Presently, the real revenues from commercial horse racing would be from off-track-betting run out of a simulcast location across the State; the very specific reason why the Sterling Suffolk Racecourse wants to have a dual license for both locations — horses running in GB enables simulcast betting of millions in the Boston area. Money for the other side of the State. 

So what is in it for Great Barrington? How much would we lose? Will more clogged traffic during our peak tourist season require more police staff? The hotels say they are already at full capacity during peak season, so how will they benefit? Will the increased traffic deter diners from local restaurants? Local merchants complained during those two years of horse racing that they suffered from people avoiding downtown. Will there be more Department of Public Works expenses related to waste cleanup and monitoring?

The Town has developed enviable assets in its green-based economy. Let’s not trade our smart growth assets to enhance East Boston’s gambling business. Even the money makes no sense.

Sharon Gregory

Great Barrington, Mass.

The writer has served on the town Finance Committee for three years, two of which as chair.

spot_img

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.

Continue reading

Why has President Donald Trump not called Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to express his sympathies?

This man’s silence speaks for itself, just as it did after the violence and his silence thereafter on January 6, 2021, and subsequent pardons of the January 6 perpetrators.

A reflection on No Kings Day

I don't know what kind of drugs the Trump administration and Fox News thinks Americans are on, but their response to No Kings Day defies belief—even by MAGA standards.

West Stockbridge Zucchini Festival seeking funds and volunteers

We have been kinda busy getting the festival together, but if it needs to be said: The 2025 West Stockbridge Zucchini Festival has been and still is unequivocally on for Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., rain or shine!

The Edge Is Free To Read.

But Not To Produce.