Letters to the Editor for BH Daily, Dec. 4 edition

Velazquez Reflects on NY Chaplaincy's Work, Annual appeal As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work being done by the New York Race Track Chaplaincy at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course, and surrounding farms. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and generosity. Leona and I will always remember and cherish the love and support shown to us at this year's annual brunch, where we were blessed to be the honorees. Your kindness that day, and throughout the year, means so much to us. Your generosity has been instrumental in helping us serve our community, especially during times of need and transition. We all have experienced these times, and when we are at our most vulnerable, we are grateful to be surrounded by voices we trust to lead us toward healing. We are grateful and blessed to be that voice of trust on the backstretch. This year, we faced the heartbreaking loss of several beloved members of our racing family. The Nula family, with whom we have a long-standing relationship, experienced a sudden tragedy. At the Chaplaincy, they found comfort, guidance, and support during this challenging time. As family member Sussy expressed so poignantly, "Thanks to the Chaplaincy, we were able to walk through this time of loss with their guidance. We are so grateful for their prayers, financial support, and for encouraging us during this time of grief." It is because of you and your support that the Chaplaincy can be present in everyday life and a comfort in moments like these. In addition to supporting families in times of loss, the Chaplaincy walks with families through transitional times, such as their children entering high school and through their graduation. Through our Teen Mentoring and Grad Support Programs, we assist our backstretch parents as their children navigate through high school and transition to college and trade schools. Each year, we help parents and students navigate the complexities of higher education, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge necessary for success in their next chapter. Together, we are building a brighter future for the next generation. Increasingly, the times of need for our families have included the need for affordable food. Our food pantry and our army of volunteers who keep it running have created a lifeline for many families, particularly through initiatives like our monthly Diaper Program. As father of two Ashton shared, "This program has allowed my family to save on the high cost of diapers. My wife and I are so grateful." We are committed to alleviating financial pressures for growing families and ensuring they have access to essential resources, especially during the upcoming holiday season, where our food pantry goes above and beyond in making sure families and individuals are taken care of at all of the NYRA tracks. I invite you to join us in this important work as we strive to uplift and encourage our community by participating in our Annual Appeal. When you support the Chaplaincy, you are walking alongside the backbone of this beautiful horse racing community. Where we go, you go. Together, we can continue to make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. Your support makes all the difference. With love and gratitude, Johnny Velazquez Frustrated With the Difficulty of Placing a Bet In Texas I enjoyed Frank Angst's recent column on the lawsuit won by 1/ST Racing against offshore betting, but have a question about licensed advance-deposit wagering companies' strategy. Wouldn't they be better off joining forces and filing fresh lawsuits against states like Texas and others to allow ADW from all 50 states under the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978? (Especially considering the new economic realities of Kalshi, etc., and the Michigan ruling earlier this year.) As a Texas resident, I continue to be frustrated to no end that I have to drive 50 miles in Houston traffic to legally place a bet, ever since the dog track closed, and Texas legislators have their head in the sand about ADW and sports wagering in general. The law requiring a bet to be placed only at a track is not only archaic, but also seemingly uneconomical for the tracks as well, since any handle is better than none. There are probably hundreds of thousands of serious horseplayers in Texas alone who, I expect, feel much like I do. Thanks for your time. Regards, Joe McGoldrick Clear Lake, Texas Heartened by Attempts to Fight Against Computer-Assisted Wagering As a former horse owner, retired racetrack executive, racing fan, and recreational horseplayer for life, it is heartening to see, at last, a groundswell of protest against the scourge that is computer-assisted wagering. And interesting to see advocates for CAW grasping at straws to defend it. So, we're told the incentives CAW players receive are similar to frequent flyer rewards to airline customers. Really? Do frequent flyers have most of their fares returned promptly, along with bonuses to ensure they get back more than they paid originally? Of course not, but CAW players as a group can count on rebates which exceed the amount they lose on their computer-aided wagering. Do airlines redirect money paid by other customers to frequent flyers? Hardly, but regular horseplayers have their payoffs for winning wagers reduced, so that the CAW players (and betting operators) can have more. But doesn't the takeout from CAW handle increase total racing industry revenue? No. As a group CAW players effectively pay no takeout. They are winners! Computer-assisted wagering does three things well: It helps CAW players make massive profits, it improves short-term financial results for betting operators who facilitate it, and it encourages a steady decline in traditional market support for racing. That's it. Eric Astrom Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada