One of the most valuable methods to keep racing alive is public involvement. Racetracks recognize the importance of marketing themselves to the public to increase viewers, betting and new investors. Regardless of marketing initiatives, getting the public's attention is still a struggle. Unlike the past, there are many more activities and sporting events for people to participate in. Horse racing is no longer the "go to" weekend activity for families. So if well funded, prominent racetracks are still struggling to attract numbers even with marketing initiatives, imagine what it must be like for a racetrack who is banned from publicly advertising.
This is the situation the Singapore Turf Club (STC) is facing. The Singaporean law prevents the STC from promoting the horse racing in news papers, television and roadside banners. The government's reasoning behind these strict laws are based on preventing the promotion of gambling. The STC has been working to defend its reputation by donating to charities and opening a riding school for children. These actions are meant to show that the racetrack is not a negative organization within the community by distributing money earned through gambling instead of putting all revenue back into the sport, an action which would raise questions from the government.
Singapore needs to find a balance between what is good for the racing industry and what is safe for the public. The belief that racing equals gambling is an outdated way of viewing the industry. No other racing operation in the world has as many constraints as Singapore and the inability to promote racing is risking the future of horse racing in Singapore. Lack of exposure to younger generations could prevent an ongoing interest in racing. The Singapore government should re-evaluate and model its regulations after countries who have been successful in creating a safe yet lucrative industry for racing.
Singapore needs to find a balance between what is good for the racing industry and what is safe for the public. The belief that racing equals gambling is an outdated way of viewing the industry. No other racing operation in the world has as many constraints as Singapore and the inability to promote racing is risking the future of horse racing in Singapore. Lack of exposure to younger generations could prevent an ongoing interest in racing. The Singapore government should re-evaluate and model its regulations after countries who have been successful in creating a safe yet lucrative industry for racing.