MY CALL - THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF CORPORATE BOOKIES, WONDERFUL IF YOU ARE ON THEIR SIDE OF THE FENCE
By David Fowler | Tuesday, August 13, 2013
David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.
I couldn't believe it until I read it.
It's another corporate bookie story. I know they're a dime a dozen but this one tops them all.
No names, no pack-drill but suffice to say this corporate bookmaker promised plenty but the delivery side of things hasn't been as strong.
A consistent punter noted a "loss" on his betting record from Ipswich last Friday which involved a horse scratched at the gates.
Being scratched at the barrier makes it a non-runner. Right?
Well, no, according to this corporate. When challenged by the punter the operator said the horse was "under starter's orders" so the bet was settled correctly.
"A bonus bet" was offered as a peace offering.
When will this lunacy stop?
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This sort of behaviour comes as overseas betting goliath William Hill prepares to buy Tom Waterhouse's operation.
This will add to the acquisition of Sportingbet and Centrebet while Paddy Power has secured Sportsbet and IASbet.
This gradual demise of local ownership is going to make these corporates even more difficult to deal with than the situation that presently exists.
Overseas-based Bet365 has rapidly become a laughing stock among serious gamblers for their chopping of wagers.
It's a timely warning for the local administration who has placed their faith in some of these corporates for a "fairer" selection of prices at Saturday meetings.
I've witnessed first-hand prices being slashed for what are relatively minimal wagers with some of these corporates.
It still amazes me that the local betting ring is only afforded "one vote" in the compilation process.
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It's a big time "behind the scenes" on the Queensland racing front.
These last four months leading up to Christmas will see the announcement of several important decisions.
Amongst them will be who is getting what from the infrastructure money pot. The harness and greyhound industries will take particular interest in this.
But expect a surprise on the galloping front as well.
And the renegotiation of the TAB agreement and who gets what in terms of prize-money distribution is starting to gather momentum.
News of that will filter through in the early months of 2014.
The long term future of Queensland racing is currently under the microscope.
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The $100 raffle tickets for the Montgomerie Fund are well worth buying.
Seven winners will be drawn after the second last at Doomben this Saturday with winners having naming rights to a race at the August 24 meet plus a host of other benefits.
You will never get a chance like this again but the cause is so worthy as well.
Tickets will be on sale at the big Ekka meeting at Eagle Farm tomorrow.
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