Another interesting read.

[Mark]

http://www.garryclarke.com.au/main/page_news__views_articlesnews_is_this_how_it_happened_.html

[jose]

I reckon he has nailed it.

When 20% of the pool gets taken every time it's not long before it starts to bite.
This is from a small town perspective.....

Years ago in all the smaller towns throughout Australia, there was a couple of SP bookies, and a 2 up school every Saturday night, and a game of cards on a regular basis. One week I win, one week you win, and so on and so forth, and the money stayed in the town pretty much.
Now with the TAB, they rake 14-20% from the pool and divvie up the rest, and they wonder why small towns, the racing game and the average punter are in decline.

This is also another reason why I do not donate to any large charities, as they too rape the smaller areas.
I will however donate to the local charities as they are at least keeping the money local.

Sorry for the rant, but I cannot see any easy answers, and by the looks of it neither can anyone running this show.

[Shaun]

Don't kid yourself, i don't see to many bookies offering a 100% markets, if they get under 120% you are doing well so the argument about the TABs take is a useless one.

I do agree on some other points about the amount of racing but i am wondering how many non TAB races there are scheduled during the week, i guess there are a few on the weekend and always have been it is just the TAB want to broadcast more races to make more money so the service we get from racing radio and other media options is second rate because they have way to much to do.

Taking just the view of a bookie does not make it correct, you as punters need to explain how things have changed for the worse, or have they just changed.

I have not been to a TAB agency in over 6 years and i am sure there are many here who could say the same.

But have you been attending race meetings more, probably not, more betting is done via the internet than any where else.

Every day i here stories of those that have been barred by the bookies for one reason or another, but none by the TAB except the fixed odds service but that is just a bookie service anyways.

the 2 disadvantages using the TAB is the round down of dividends and not knowing what you are going to get.