louisg wrote: Very true Oscar. Not only complicated but also far too many different bets on offer.
In the article, Leon refers to , amongst others, creating more winners. For instance, the current pick six rules make it a very difficult bet to win. Whilst it creates bigger dividends, it creates less winners.
Merit rating also makes it more difficult. And the more difficult it becomes, the smaller the number of winners.
I have a different view on this - Racing is not suffering because it is too complicated but rather because the culture of Horse Betting is no longer a household one in SA.
Their are multiple threads on ABC about youngsters inheriting the Racing bug from active parents or family members. That initial introduction, at a young age, has dwindled.
I was introduced from an early age, the first "what horse do you think will win the July" was probably when I was about 6. You learn the game slowly , just as you would learn to drive, fix a car or mow the lawn. Once you have the basics, and I mean basics- Picking a winner(that is really all Racing is about BUT how you pick that winner is where complications come in) you are then able to vary your bet types.
In the 70's and 80's it was not uncommon for my father to have to place a bet for my mother, granny, aunt, domestic worker and myself on big days. Racing was in your face every few days - Commentaries on the Radio, big races televised on SABC, results and dividends read out on news bulletins(tv and radio), all newspapers carrying racing etc. That exposure, for various reasons, has dwindled to almost nothing and with it so have the new players.
I have always enjoyed sport - I loved playing soccer and rugby but betting on sport was not something we did as a household as it was illegal and to this day I'm an occasional sports bettor. Also I grew up in a time where Casinos were not legal in SA and as such I never quite took to Casino betting - That is not to say that I have not tried but I could not quite get into either.
I think that exposing more people to Race betting is the only way to get new punters involved. I do not think you will get massive amounts of daily players involved but you will get a few and on big days you will get much higher turnover. I know a mate who I see at Racing only on big days - He only races when he joins his friend there who is a big owner and regular punter. On those days he spends I suppose 2-4k and treats it as a fun day and is prepared to lose that cash. The reason he goes Racing is because he has a friend involved. I think that that's the way to get in new blood.
If, in a perfect world, everytime you went racing you invited a new person to attend the game would grow. The complications of the game are far easily clarified by a trusted friend than a betting instruction booklet. Some will have only one bite and other might linger and become occasional punters but
I think we have to be realistic and realize that our vice has a refined flavour which is only palatable to certain individuals who either were born into the game or have minds that crave that type of stimulation.
I understand the notion that big pools should attract more players but using myself as an example I do not think this is true. The lotto offers a life changing dividend every week(twice a week I think) yet I no longer see the long lines of players that initially flocked to take those odds. I started out playing, as I suppose many others did, but soon got bored by the draws and the allure of "dream money" soon dwindled when I saw very little return. A further nail was knocked into the coffin when Charities were up in arms for not getting their cut. Many people I know also stopped playing for this reason as they used the "I don't care if I win or lose as its my way of giving to charity rather than give to every beggar I see" excuse to stand in line.
What I have noticed is that the "dream bet" in SA is now the Soccer Multiple. I know many soccer punters who spend R10 - R200 on self created dream bets. They show me their tickets, most of which involve 6-15 matches, with amazing payouts for small money. As a punter I know this will lead to the poor house eventually as bookies thrive on multiples. I have explained to them that taking only two teams might be better but am laughed off as they want to "buy the dream" not become winning punters. Bookies do their bit by showing actual proof of R10 bets that win perhaps 100k or more and the dream catches on just like Miracle 2000 or any other get rich quick scheme. The actual thrill of watching the event is not present in most cases as many of the matches are not even televised in SA and many take place at odd hours. There is no Adrenalin rush here like we have in Racing but purely an emotional wager based on the hope of perceived financial freedom. And it grows daily as the word spreads amongst those that want a life changing win.
Can Racing compete with this? I personally do not think so as Soccer is a household sport and the transition to wagering is simple as the rules of the game are known to most boys well before they turn 10. Racing no longer has that base to fall back on - I do believe that a substantial group of prospective players, who were born into "July Day Fever" have emigrated. Further to that the huge marketing spend by retailers like OK and Game are long gone and that constant legitimization and in your face marketing of Racing went a long way to keep interest in the game going. Racing needs that back - If only one big supermarket chain could be involved in sponsoring a race with in-store promotions turnover would increase dramatically for that race and perhaps a familiar old spark would light up in the population.
Verbal diarrhea this morning I think so time to take an Immodium and get my bets ready for the Vaal.
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