Back in the day, horse was literally King.
Hundreds of thousands heading to the Epsom Derby or Grand National to witness a sporting spectacular. Those days punters loved their racing. They weren't afraid to have a bet and strangely or not you didn't hear one word about gambling addicts. No doubt they existed but those foe probably had slightly stiffer spines.
Yes, it sounds like I have it in for people who bet and lose. I have compassion to a point. Addiction can't be any fun. However, I very much doubt you would hear one gambler complain if they were making good money. We can't have it every way. Perhaps, I'm missing the point. I do find the bookmaker chains irritating. Restricted accounts. They don't even close your accounts anymore because they know being allowed to bet 50p each-way won't see many professional gamblers returning. Interesting, I can bet as much money as I want on the slots. No wonder professional gambler are returning to the track to place their bets.
Something tells me whatever the gambling commission or government do - sticking their nose into other people's business - there will always be a bookmaker on course who is willing to take my bet. Thank the Lord. I never thought I'd see the day I was patting the enemy on the back as though I give a *uck.
I often visit Great Yarmouth racecourse and there are plenty of bookies who will take a bet.
You may be asking why go to the course?
The betting exchanges (until the late markets) are verging on pointless. With so many exchanges all looking for their piece of the pie the markets have been diluted to the point of absurdity. The original Betfair markets were strong because there wasn't all and sundry plying their trade. It's a shame all can't be joined together because it would be a revelation.
So punter are heading back to the course.
I don't blame them. Perhaps it will be one way the racecourses return to some aspect of popularity. However, the likes of Arc need to put the price of day's racing back to a figure which makes sense.
I've had a few professional gamblers ask if I could place bets for them when I'm at the course. It is all turning into that direction. Is it too much to ask for someone to take a bet? Multi-million-pound companies scared to take £50 on a horse. Turf accountants turned to accountants who use every aspect of gambling reformation to do their dirty work.
What a world we live in.
Everyone is terrified of everyone.
In truth, there is nothing to be frightened of - it's your own shadow.
Get to the course and place that bet. You have a decent chance compared with the online brigade.
What a insult to bookmaking.
Author: JC
Interesting post. There are so many things wrong with horse racing and especially bookmakers these days that it is disappointing. Wouldn't it be good to go back to the traditional bookmaker so weren't afraid to take a bet.
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