Day at the Races

Where: Indiana Downs

When: June 9, 2012

What: Horse Betting-Belmont Stakes

Arrival time: 11:30A.M.

Departure: 2:30P.M.

Gambling Men Observation

Background

Shelbyville, Indiana is a small country community. According to the city data page, since 2006 the population of Shelbyville has seen a 6.9% increase which now has a total of 19,191 residents. The town boasts of one main attraction- Indiana Live Casino/Indiana Downs. The choice to make behavior observations at Indiana Live/Indiana Downs was simple for several reasons: 1) have never attended, 2) the running of the Belmont Stakes, and 3) to gain an understanding of betting's popularity.

I arrived at Indiana Downs at 11:30 A.M. The establishment allows customers to feel welcome by providing free parking and a shuttle to the casino or the horse track betting section. There is an ATM machine located by the door and a desk where patrons can purchase program books from all the tracks. Customers can purchase one for a dollar or three for two dollars. I bought a set of three programs and found a seat in the bar area.

There is a non-smoking section, a bar area, a smoking section, more seating and the betting windows. The establishment offers a daily meal special, as well as popcorn, chips, and hot dogs. There are TVs everywhere, above the bar, on both sides of the bar, over the betting windows, and individual sets in the seating area close to the windows. The clientele is diversified in age, race, sex and economic class. Many attendees know each other, which suggest these people are the "regulars" and this observation is further evidenced by the bartenders and the betting window personnel calling them by first names.

The men I chose to observe arrived in a group of four. Two members appeared to be between 40 and 50, one much younger, between 20-25, and one much older, between 70 and 80. They positioned themselves at the middle of the bar. The bar maid knew all of them except the youngest member of the group. They immediately placed their orders and opened their programs. The four men seemed to have a bond, but one was louder than the other three. I chose this individual to observe.

He immediately began sharing his choices with the others and giving advice on the betting procedures. He appeared to know more about the horses and he wanted his expertise known to the others. After a few minutes, each of the four made their way to the betting windows. All four returned to their seats with their bets. Two of the four-the oldest and the youngest were talking about the NBA finals, while the other two were engaged in a discussion about the bets they had made. At this point it became clear the loud man placed a bet which was different from his friend's. The loud man stated, "I gave you a tip, but what do I know." The race was about to begin. All four men became quiet and focused their attention on the TV screen. Once the race started, three of the men were engaged in screaming the number of the horse they had placed bets on.