Page 52 - May 2018 Speedhorse

“As part of this network improvement, we’re going to be providing wireless tablet wagering as an introductory product here this summer,” True said.
Since October, the track has received some much-needed improvements. While many of the upgrades are happening out of view, race fans should notice an improved experience at the track.
Starting at the top, the grandstand received a new “seven figure plus” roof, and with Chairman of the Board Sigman being a former communications executive, it’s no surprise that the track is getting a technology makeover beginning with a new corporate network.
“When I say new network, I mean six cabling that connects the points of sale, all the computers, the telephones, the wireless application and wireless access points,” True said while sounding like a Silicon Valley tech exec. “We needed to improve our network infrastructure because the next big thing is we’re bringing in fiber to the building. We’re bringing in a 100-meg circuit into the building and a distinctly separate 50-meg circuit into the sale facility.”
The new network infrastructure will also include a new phone system.
“The communications networks are aging, and with all the new technology, we were feeling the pain in our box office,” True said. “That type of infrastructure will help us there.”
A new surveillance room with new equipment was built linking approximately 65 cameras set up to watch the casino.
TECHNOLOGY REBOOT
With upgrades in the track’s networks, fans will benefit from the introduction of wireless wagering and a new website.
“As part of this network improvement, we’re going to be providing wireless tablet wagering as an introductory product here this summer,” True said. “We will be able to put some wireless tablets in front of patrons who want them. They will be able to sit at the table, use that wireless wagering app, open an account and wager through those.
“We’ll also offer account wagering to all patrons,” True added. “You can get a plastic card to use at a self-service terminal and get away from paper tickets.”
The track’s revamped website went live in April and ties together the track’s new color scheme that visitors will see in the virtual world and in the real world at the track.
The new website will offer improved functionality and, through a new deal with Roberts Communications, high definition race video feed.
“We’ll be sending our signal out in high definition this year,” True said. “To those people who watch us online or watch us at some simulcast facilities, they’ll see a marked difference in our signal. They can also see high definition replays from our website. There’s quite a bit of interactive stuff on the website, too.”
Jeff True and members of local Ruidoso area law enforcement agencies recently met to discuss security plans, which will include canine unit patrols, for the upcoming Ruidoso Downs meet.
50 SPEEDHORSE May 2018
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Gay Harris, Ruidoso Downs