“That’s How We’ve Always Done It”: RTIP Speakers Challenge Horse Racing’s Resistance to Change
During our recent class discussion, Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) students had the opportunity to hear from Mike Weiss and Jay Zucker, who shared valuable insight into the operational, legal, and regulatory challenges currently shaping the horse racing industry.
Mike Weiss brought decades of experience from both racetrack management and the advance deposit wagering (ADW) industry. Beginning his career working at racetracks with “a pitchfork in hand,” Weiss worked his way through multiple positions including groom, horse identifier, racing secretary, and general manager before eventually building successful wagering companies including PariBet. Throughout his presentation, Weiss emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation in racing, encouraging students to “think outside the box” when it comes to promoting the sport and utilizing racetrack facilities.
One of the most interesting parts of Weiss’s discussion focused on the growth of ADW platforms and simulcasting. He explained how early online wagering systems changed the racing landscape and described the challenges smaller operators now face competing against the large content management groups. Weiss also discussed the importance of international wagering markets, anti-money laundering compliance, and the increasing complexity of simulcast agreements within today’s racing industry.
The conversation later shifted toward Weiss’s involvement with restarting horse racing at Eureka Downs in Kansas. Weiss detailed the extensive licensing and regulatory hurdles involved in bringing racing back to a facility that had not operated in 16 years. He detailed the difficulties in navigating the approval process. Weiss repeatedly highlighted that over his career, he has faced resistance to modernize racing as people are more comfortable relying on “how things used to be done.”
Arizona Racing Commissioner Jay Zucker joined the conversation, offered insight into the role of racing commissions, and the challenges commissioners face balancing regulation, transparency, and industry growth. Zucker explained that commissions often rely heavily on recommendations from regulatory staff, veterinarians, investigators, and stewards, but also stressed the importance of commissioners remaining open-minded and willing to challenge outdated systems and practices. Zucker also spoke about the importance of changing racing’s culture by embracing transparency and encouraging more public discussion. He noted that many current industry challenges stem from resistance to change and a long-standing mindset of “that’s how we’ve always done it.”
Overall, the discussion provided students with a realistic look into the legal, operational, and political challenges facing horse racing today. Both Weiss and Zucker emphasized that while the industry faces significant obstacles, there are also opportunities for growth through innovation, collaboration, and modernization. Their experiences demonstrated how leadership, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge traditional thinking will continue to play an important role in shaping the future of horse racing.