Well I finally visited the new "racino" that opened at the Finger Lakes Racetrack, near Rochester NY. It's a casino like environment, with all video slots. Some are the multiline popular games (Frog Prince, Texas Tea etc)and some are classic slots (blazing 7's Double Diamonds) No vp, no table games, no free drinks.

The place opened maybe a month ago - people were waiting in huge crowds when it first opened. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, there was definetely a lot of people there - but no problem getting on the machine(s) of your choice.

I just went on a whim - walked in with $30, played for about 2 hours, bought a snack (sandwich & coke, $7) and walked out with $100.

I have no doubt I could have easily donated that $100 to New York State in short order. I just happened to hit a bonus round on a "Wild Things" dollar machine, and got the top multipler of $10.

But I got a lot of play for my 30 bucks - it was fun. And even without my bonus wind, the machines seemed a lot looser than the Indian run casinos in Niagara Falls and Oneida New York. I had a few other wins in the $50 range, which I just played out.

Since I'm not a horse player I'd never been to the racetrack before. The "racino" is the ground level - nice carpet, the usual flashing lights, nice bar area. Up one flight to the racetrack betting area. Looks like it was designed to be hosed down at night. Cement, exposed beams etc. Interesting contrast between the two!

Luckily for my budget, none of the local experiences - Indian Casino or state run "racino" hold a candle to the whole Vegas experience.

Do they have these "racinos" in other states?

Kes

Delaware has them. If you'd like to purchase a cocktail prices are usually very steep!
I find them boring after an hour or so. I've been to Delaware a couple of times, and I have zero desire to go back anymore.
If I was a slot player I
d probably have a bigger attraction to the places.