Self-Exclusion

- The law which allowed slot machines in Bangor, Maine, requires that 3% of the net revenue earned by Penn National's Hollywood Slots parlor must be turned over to the state’s gambling board. That money would then be earmarked for counseling services for addicted gamblers. The article in the Bangor Daily News notes that, while the state isn’t expecting a deluge of problem gamblers, six people so far have placed themselves on [Hollywood Slots’] self-exclusion list, which bars them from playing for a year. Self-exclusion can't be rescinded by the person, the racino or the state.

Man, that’s rather final, isn’t it? You can't say "PLEASE, I'VE CHANGED MIND!!!!?" Do they have that at racetracks? If they did, imagine if, after a tough day week month arghhh, you actually sign up for that? Think of how you could feel the next morning; like waking up with a horse’s head in your bed. I suppose you could shave your head, have a sex change, or wear a Richard Nixon mask.

- Christening came through her surgery OK. It will be some time before her future is determined, but she’s fine.

- More on Wednesday’s opening day card, and a look at the weather over at Racing Saratoga.