I was reading somewhere in the forum a debate about SP, TF & Tote. Now i am the first, thanks to the more experienced people on this site, to agree that the Tote is a rip off. After this week i need to add that most bookies are cowards. Today this was the POT on a 1 unit investment on all winners:

Melb races: SP 67.60!!, NSW tote 102.50, STab 97.1
Syd Races: (first 7 races)SP 36.60, NSW Tote 40, STab 39.4

If the tote is a rip off and it is, then what do you call the bookies fielding today...thiefs comes to mind.

I am talking thru my pocket as even though i finished just in front i feel ripped off e.g M6/#12 i had rated at 6/1..saw it at $30 on the tote and as i work, backed it at SP with my Bookie who is only a phone call away. How surprised do you think i was to see SP at $12?
Not sure how i can get around betting with Betfair in NSW but i have to do something. The TAB & the Bookies don't even say 'stick em up' when they take your money. There....i have vented.

HI COLLINGWOOD.YOU RECKON YOUR GETTING RIPPED OFF NOW.JUST WAIT UNTIL THE BOOKIES CUT THEIR OWN THROAT AND ARE NO LONGER THERE.I WILL GIVE YOU 100/1 THAT THE TOTE UPS ITS % TAKE OUT.
I AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WITH YOU .
THE SAD PART IS THE BOOKIES DONT CARE /THE PUNTERS DONT CARE.IF THEY DID THEY,D BE SCREAMING THEIR HEADS OFF AND DOING SOMTHING ABOUT IT.

On the pies!

Had three winning bets on Syd. yesterday with a Bookie [phone], and all payed better than Tote. Even at the provincial tracks in my area [Bairnsdale/Sale], I mostly do better with the Bookies.

You are quoting big longshots only. Just personel opinion and maybe I'm biased. I like their "colour" and their banter too.
Once your "on" your on and you dont see their odds "crunch" after the race. God I hate that about the Tote!

[ This Message was edited by: crash on 2003-08-14 17:59 ]

[ This Message was edited by: crash on 2003-08-14 20:16 ]

Thanks for your feedback gents. Crash i am not only quoting longshots. If you look at every SP prices in Melb & Syd today SP was equal on 2 occasions and better on one occasion. That's hopeless when you consider what a rip off the TAB is!! Maybe it is a week thing and the weekend may be different. Don't get me wrong i am in no way saying the tote is a good betting option - it is not. In fact i try not to bet on the tote - but the bookies are not much better and if this week (today being the worst day) is any indication then we are being ripped off left, right and centre.

They (the bookies and TAB) then have the absoulute gall to argue against the advent of betting exchanges.

I hope the week finishes off better with a Magpie win tomorrow night!

cheers

Collingwood,

In my opinion, if you don't have time before each race to search for the best price then your best option is to get an account with either IAS or Sportingbet and use the Divi+/BettaDiv type product to give you the best TAB price - it seems to be better than SP for MOST winners and you have the convenience of either phone or Internet betting. Of course if you are betting on the Internet you can also check out the SP price and bet with either of these guys using that option if it looks better than the TABs.

__________________
"Computers can do that????" - Homer Simpson

Thanks Becareful

Is there a site that allows you to view the SP price. Even better is there a site that allows for all prices (SP,TF & Tote) to be compared?

cheers