Since Australian horse racing began, Bookmakers have been an integral part of its rich and colourful history.

They were there when Archer won the first of his Melbourne Cups in 1861 and are now a unique, feature at all race meetings, adding tradition and passion to this already exciting sport. Australia is one of only a few countries in the world fortunate enough to have both the traditional Bookmaker and T.A.B. facilities on-course.

In days gone by, with low stake money, connections of horses sought to gain profit from betting which led to spirited and massive exchanges between Bookmakers and punters, off-course Bookmakers, though then illegal in Australia, also thrived in the early days.

Bookmaking probably reached its zenith in the 1920's and 1930's when fielders such as Sol Green and Mannie Lyons did battle with owner/punter Eric Connolly and others.

Until 1931 betting on-course with a Bookmaker was the only legal form of gambling in the State. In that year a very small on-course tote was introduced to give the on-course punter an alternative.

Despite this, Bookmaking continued to grow and by 1954 the number of Bookmakers peaked at 1500. The number of Bookmakers in the State is now around 169.

A PROFESSIONAL

Years ago the average perception of a Bookmaker was a bigman, dressed in a loud check suit with a diamond tie pin, who went to the racecourse with a bag full of money and came home with two bags - bulging with notes.
Today the average Bookmaker is quietly dressed, the big cigar long extinguished.
They work like other professionals, striving to increase market share and keep operating costs down.
The Bookmaker also plays a part in community and charity efforts.
KNOWING AND UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE IS IMPORTANT TO BOOKMAKERS - THEY SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE.

BET WITH THE BOOKMAKER FOR PERSONALISED SERVICE

Betting on a racecourse is really a duel between punter and Bookmaker.
The clash is a highlight of the colourful scene of Australian horse, harness and greyhound tracks.
It makes going to the course an exciting and lively day or night out.
Visitors from countries where there are no on course Bookmakers revel in the pageantry of the Australian betting scene.
It is so vibrant when compared to the cold mechanical atmosphere of non-Bookmaker courses.
Amid this colour and exhilarating atmosphere the duel goes on. The astute punter can come out on top because the place where you get TOP ODDS, is from your on course Bookmaker.

BOOKMAKERS ALWAYS PAY

There is no time limit for a Bookmaker to pay out on a winning ticket. A punter can come back to the Bookmaker weeks, months or even years later and be paid.
A record of an unpaid ticket is kept by the Bookmaker and is also passed on to the Bookmakers' Supervisor who is employed by the Race Clubs.
Should a punter lose a winning ticket they can go to the Bookmakers' Supervisor who will stop payment on that ticket.
The Bookmakers' Supervisor plays a very important part for both Bookmaker and Punter. Should a bet be disputed the Bookmakers' Supervisor (appointed by the Racing Industry and under control of the Chief Steward) can act as an independent arbitrator. In this way the punter's claims are treated confidentially, with respect and sympathy.
Of course, disputed bets are more often than not settled amicably between punter and Bookmaker.

THE BETTING RING

The betting ring is a fun place to be on a racetrack, it is there you can see the colourful competition between the punter and the Bookmaker.

You can also take advantage of the Bookmaker's odds by shopping around for the best price available on the horse you like.

Even if you know nothing about racing, you can "follow the money" - that is, bet on the horse which is firming from longer odds to shorter odds with the Bookmakers. This is generally a good indication that somebody either a trainer, owner or a professional punter is confident about that horse's winning chances.

There is great satisfaction to be gained from finding a Bookmaker offering longer odds on your selection than is available elsewhere in the betting ring, or in taking a bet just before the rush of money brings the price tumbling down. The betting ring is a classic model of the operation of supply and demand.

If many punters want to back a particular horse, its odds will be "shortened" throughout the betting ring. A runner which few punters want to back will "drift" in the betting to a longer price in an effort by Bookmakers to get punters to back it.

The betting ring, most importantly, is where you collect your winnings. Simply take your winning ticket to the Bookmaker who accepted your bet, his name will be printed on the betting ticket and on the top of his display board.

UNIQUE EXCITING AND ACCESSIBLE
VICTORIA'S BOOKMAKERS THE LIFE OF RACING


VICTORIAN BOOKMAKERS' ASSOCIATION
MEMBERS BETTING AT
· RACES
· HARNESS RACING
· GREYHOUNDS
· SPORTS

GOOD PUNTING ……..
………. SEE YOU ON THE COURSE ………