I should point out the 'spin' in my arguments for the TAB was regarding '$100 a week punters' .... small Punters [not much point having a phone account with a bookie or heading to the track].
The 3 points outlined above by Shaun are 3 very good reasons the TAB's kill any other form of bet taker for most punters.

The last thing the small punter needs is to get his/her credit cards involved in punting. Going on the latest figures regarding credit card debt, the average Joe can't manage BASIC purchase restraints. How do you think he would go managing credit card punting?