One of the many highlights of coming to the races is the thrill of experiencing the hive of activity that surrounds the on course bookmaker Once you have tasted the excitement of trying to find the best price and placing your bet you will want to try again, especially when you win !
There are many advantages for betting with an on course bookmaker:- You choose when to take a price. Bookmakers give you the chance to wait and see if the price of your horse is going to rise or fall before placing your bet. You know immediately how much you stand to win without guessing how large or small a pool dividend will pay. Bets with bookmakers are free of any deductions which means you get BETTER VALUE. One of the few things that is not taxed today is the on course bet.
Some bookmakers have £2 or £5 minimum stake, whilst others are quite willing to take smaller sums. Some bookmakers take win only bets and others are happy to take each way bets ( that is win and place). These terms are displayed on their boards. Lets say you have made your selection, for instance No. 5 "Flying Trix" and you require £5 each way. There could be any thing from twenty to over a hundred bookmakers in the ring competing for your business. You look for the best price available, which is say 10 to 1. Check that the bookmaker's terms meet your requirements, and state your bet loud and clearly; that is "£5 each way Number 5. Hand the bookmakers the correct money ( particularly helpful with smaller bets) which in this case would be £10, i.e., £5 win and £5 place. The bookmaker will then repeat your bet to his clerk, saying "Number 5, £5 each way ". It is important that you check that he repeats your instructions correctly. As Bookmakers should now have computers you will be given a printed ticket, with the number and name of the horse, your bet and how much you will have to come back. Please read this carefully since any mistakes at this stage can be easily rectified. For added security Bookmakers also use tape recorders so mistakes should not happen.
When you have a winning bet, return your ticket to the bookmaker who you bet with. He will pay your winnings in full after the weigh in, or often much earlier when there is no likelihood of any dispute over the result. WITH NO TAX DEDUCTIONS
Better luck on the next race.