Hi Stugots,

I havent been around punting all that long, only about 12 years or so. How many times hase the takeout risen in that time ? This is a honest question as I dont know? What was it in the 90s ? What was it in the 80's ? Anyone know ?

Look at the good ol USA, they rip the guts out of the punter so badly that they dont have a racing industry anymore. They killed their cash cow. Its all privatised and overtaxed.

The UK, from what I can see is just a shambles. Is it not ? Its all privatised as far as the betting agencies are concearned. Again I dont know so I will be happily corrected. I know that they are buying our corps and turning them into .... god knows what !

HK has a monopoly, infact their Gov has a monopoly and even they can see that the best way to keep things ticking along is to give people a hope of winning . That means some people actually will, most wount but all have a chance.

I would think that the same logic would apply here ? Surely ? I again ask the same question when the TAB had a monopoly untill a few years ago was their take out rampant ? What is stoping the govs puting the rates up now ? Certainly isnt betfair ! most of those betting there look at the bookies and tote for what a price should be, and then its simply supply and demand that sets the price. The corps only pay what the Totes show. Where is the competition that is stoping them from doing it now ? Infact they probably have a cause to do it now more then ever. Their takeout is droping as the punters dollar is spread thinner and thinner !

Im happy to have this discussion, as Im sure that others will have their own opinions.

Michal