If the opponents of Betfair want it banned on the basis that the integrity of racing and sport is undermined, then they should also lobby bookmakers and TAB's to stop betting on the following events,

1. All head to head sporting events where there are only two results possible e.g. football games, tennis matches etc
2. Trifecta betting on 4 horse fields. Take the fave out in some nefarious way and box the other three and you've nailed it.
3. Superfecta betting on 7 horse races. Remember the Colouresque/Gleeson brothers scandal at Harold Park in the '90's? For those who don't, there is a 7 horse field in a Superfecta race. Leading driver Chris Gleeson is behind the 1.40 favourite Colouresque. Chris's brother boxes the other 6 in a Superfecta. Amazingly, the gear breaks (after it was later discovered being tampered with) and Colouresque is pulled out during the race. Brother wins the $10K pool on his own.

The TAB itself sponsored a match race between Let's Elope and Better Loosen Up creating the precise scenario that they now claim is causing corruption.

Bookmakers by nature lay horses every race. The ability to place a bet anonymously and in cash with an on-course bookmaker provides a perfect environment for race fixers to carry out their business. At least Betfair is all money up front between people who can be traced if necessary.

Those who worry about racing not being funded properly by Betting Exchanges clearly only listen to the krapola from Sky Channel and the TAB affiliated newspapers without checking some realities out themselves. Why is it not possible for betting exchanges to contribute to racing? Has anyone looked at a model that will work? Has anyone from the TAB ever showed concern that the percentage of gambling dollars spent on racing is a third of what it was pre sports betting and casinos? Has it ever occurred to them that people today expect more than the garbage that the TAB serves up? Has it every occurred to them that betting exchanges will bring new money to racing thus increasing the financial benefits to the industry?

If anyone can find a punter who respects his money yet bets with the TAB because it is "for the good of racing", I'll ride the Melbourne Cup winner. It's like the "buy Australian" push. I'll do it if I'm not being ripped off. Unfortunatley, the TAB has been ripping punters off for years and now it's coming back to bite them. Their answer ... ban the opposition. It is really pathetic and so are the morons who support such an ideology.

The race clubs have been treating the battling punter like an imbecile for years and now their squawking because BET FAIR might just take some money from them.
Thats the complete guts of the matter in my opinion.
Cheers.
Darky.

I must agree with Allanby,Hammers,Darkydog etc.For too long we punters have been screwed by the GREEDY TAB's.

To the member who has posted that they have been punting for over 2 decades I too have been punting for over 25 years and the opportunities to try and ********** the system have always been around.

I do like Hammers quote:

"If anyone can find a punter who respects his money yet bets with the TAB because it is "for the good of racing", I'll ride the Melbourne Cup winner. It's like the "buy Australian" push. I'll do it if I'm not being ripped off. Unfortunatley, the TAB has been ripping punters off for years and now it's coming back to bite them. Their answer ... ban the opposition. It is really pathetic and so are the morons who support such an ideology."

I must concur Ron,

Hammers has made some fantastic points..... well done Hammers!

I get a little over passionate about the topic at times and perhaps forget to state all the things i have on my mind to the best of my ability.

He has summed it up perfectly!

Perhaps this post should be forwarded onto those morons that currently rule the mediums we use, they would have a hard time trying to wriggle themselves out of that post.

It all comes down to jealousy, in the back of their minds they would be thinking "now why the hell didn't we think of this"??

Betting Exchanges are here to stay and if anyone feels the need for poor service, crap odds / %'s, go to the Totes, boookies, they will still be there, hopefully learning some lessons along the way.


A.

Davez - The only reason this came to light is because of the increased accountability of the exchanges. As was widely reported the individuals involved in the ******** are suspected of having been at it for years.

It is the existence of the exchanges that finally brought this to light. Your view that increased accountability and exposure is some kind of "pollution" is ridiculous.

You are absolutely correct Shoto.I have listened to the many different views in the media and believe(as an old timer I may not be around)that trying to stop this new concept, which gives the public a fighting chance ,will be like trying to stop a flood.

I rarely post and this will be my last posting re this issue.

Ron.

Bit hot under the collar there Goldmember?
Had to reread the thread to see what set you off!
Couldn't find it.
Got the impression that maybe the alleged ########## was talking about someone else.