Play Meter

Fair Grounds , Con 't. from pg. 12 competition. If we don't change with the times and address video poker, then we could lose another 15 percent." Race tracks are a statewide conglomerate of horse breeders , feed companies , other racing product suppliers , and major employers in their areas. The Fair Grounds and Jefferson Downs have contracted with Video Services Inc., a subsidiary of United Gaming in Nevada, to manage the video poker program. Marvin Shepler of Video Services explained that the company is hiring all Louisiana citizens to work at the tracks . "We 're providing jobs," said Shepler. " And we hope to bring revenue to the state . It can 't be anything but good for Louisiana , in my opinion." A job fair in late May drew many highly qualified applicants . Said Shepler, "I was extremely impressed with the knowledge in the state." In terms of players , the games have been a booming success. Although the tracks are open only for off track betting in the summer , greater numbers than usual have been filing through the gates for the televised races . Machines are never idle ; as soon as a player leaves a game another one takes his spot . Even the mutuel clerks have asked that the machines be turned on before they start their shift so they have a chance to play. "There are more players than machines," said Shepler . " They 'll play what 's available. " This makes it difficult to get an accurate poll of player preference by machine. Play Meter asked some of the players what they thought of the games . Answers were as varied as the player base, from the well dressed to the extremely casual. "I like the bigger screen (19 ")for the cards and the pay table, " said one . "They're basically the same, except I prefer the touch-screen for speed of play ." said another . His compadre disagreed : "Nothing beats the buttons. I feel like I have more control. " One customer, who said he's never been to an OTB parlor before, simply said, "It's a kick." Another said with a smile, "I like it and I dislike it , because I haven't won yet." He'll have to talk to the lady who won $125 on the first day with a royal flush. As players clustered around the machines , new employees Benny Goodman and Tyrone Lynch were on the side sorting out keys to the games . Goodman commented, "We're enjoying the customers. They're going through a learning curve right now. A lot of people aren't familiar with computers. For the most part the machines are user-friendly.'' Lynch, a recent graduate of electronics school, said, "Some players can't wait till we get more Marvin Shepler of United Gaming (I) and Gary Palmisano of the Fair Grounds by games on test. Ron Vaden enjoys the Midas Touch by WMS Gaming. Tyrone Lynch (I) and Benny Goodman at the Fair Grounds. The wall is covered with photos of famous jockeys. machines in here. " What are the plans for the future? A total of 150 games in each track, said Palmisano. At the Fair Grounds they will be in the Clubhouse, the Turf Club, and three parts of the Grandstand. J efferson Downs will have a separate area set aside for the games. The season at the Fair Grounds runs from Thanksgiving Day until the end of March; at PLAY METER Jefferson Downs there's a spring meet right after the Fair Grounds closes for live racing, and fall meet starting September 23 . Video poker games will also be at the eight OTBs , located in Thibodeaux , Houma , Slidell , Covington, LaPlace, Gretna, St. Bernard, and on Bourbon St . in the French Quarter. OTB customers must be 18 years old. 13 JULY 1992