Even though pelotapete went off in his last post about Miami
and that he was never betting again (we all say that...lol), and
even though I don't think he's ever commented on anything I've
replied to in his posts, there was one HUGE thing that rang true
in one of his responses. Here is what he said, and I quote:
"...why aren't you all filling the seats at all the frontons
supporting you beloved sport...oh..i see, not with your money
!!! you show up for tournaments, one or two times a year, make
token small bets ..if you bet at all...and you think you are a
big supporter of the game...more JUST WORDS !! MONEY THRU THE
MACHINES IS WHAT IS NEEDED..AND IT IS WHAT YOU ARE NOT WILLING
TO PROVIDE. I DID...SO YAK AT ME AND CALL ME NAMES..."
The part about the people who only show up for the tournaments
(the Citrus) is really true. I understand many of you are out
of town or out of state, so that's not really directed at you,
but for all the locals, who only come for the Citrus and scarcely
bet, well, as pete said, that is not support. Or it's closing
night...same thing.
Pete also mentioned he spends a few hundred on jai alai when he
attends, and so do I, whether Orlando's live season, or a Miami
simulcast.
The average per fan exependiture at the Citrus last year was shockingly
low...not even like $40 a person, on wagering, not drinks and
food. I have the exact figure somewhere, but I can't find it.
I remember it being somewhere in the $30 to $40 range. That is
very low.
I know times are tough, but people plunk down more than that to
wager on their Cash 3, Play 4, Fantasy 5, Lotto, Mega Money, PowerBall
and endless scratch off tickets for what? The Millions to one
chance of a lifetime hit? And they think nothing of spending that
money. But when it comes to that same expense at jai alai...omg,
I have to bet dime this and 50 cent that. Ridiculous.
I really can't add any more to what pete said. Good words, really!
And well said, pete!
