How Many Of You Wager Online?

[-BT-]

I respect you opinion and know where you’re coming from, but I feel the exact opposite. While you are right, it is harder to pull the trigger on things when you passing money to a teller rather then using a mouse, and at times the atmosphere is great at the track. But I live almost an hour from a racetrack and planning out my trips there is an ordeal since I live in the Washington metro area (the traffic is awful). The comfort of playing at my house, being able to cut bake and leave at the drop of a hat if something better comes up or just the convenience of still being home and able to get sh!t done around the house.

I’m almost the opposite of you, I haven’t been to track in almost a year, and wager primarily on the weekends (if that) through my online accounts. I do still manage to get out to the track on big days, but I see no need to head out there every time I wanna make a wager. Honestly I get board at the track, people annoy me easily and I can’t stand the chatter at times so I just end up listening to my i-pod in between races to pass the time, but that’s just me.

-bt-

[mes5107]

I live about 10 min from a racebook at a local casino, but I rarely bet there. I prefer the convenience of betting at home. Don't get me wrong, nothing beats going to the track and watching live racing, but the closest T-bred track is Suffolk which is approx 1.5-2 hrs away, depending on traffic. There's a lot to be said about the OTB experience as well with the comaraderie you build with some of the strangest characters you'll meet.

However, with betting at home I can wager at 0 or 1 MTP to see my true odds. Exacta and DD probables are readily available. I can read derbytrail. Cook dinner. blah blah blah

[mclem0822]

Originally Posted by -BT-

I respect you opinion and know where you’re coming from, but I feel the exact opposite. While you are right, it is harder to pull the trigger on things when you passing money to a teller rather then using a mouse, and at times the atmosphere is great at the track. But I live almost an hour from a racetrack and planning out my trips there is an ordeal since I live in the Washington metro area (the traffic is awful). The comfort of playing at my house, being able to cut bake and leave at the drop of a hat if something better comes up or just the convenience of still being home and able to get sh!t done around the house.

I’m almost the opposite of you, I haven’t been to track in almost a year, and wager primarily on the weekends (if that) through my online accounts. I do still manage to get out to the track on big days, but I see no need to head out there every time I wanna make a wager. Honestly I get board at the track, people annoy me easily and I can’t stand the chatter at times so I just end up listening to my i-pod in between races to pass the time, but that’s just me.

-bt-

Man BT you make some good points, especially the part about people getting annoying at the track. I do enjoy going on big days more than most, tons of people gathered around watching the triple crown races is very exciting. But over the past 6 months or maybe even longer I've made very few wagers in person, but rather I've been using 2 accounts online. I guess I fall into the category of liking both, but for now it's mostly online for my wagers, and a pop in and out of the OTB for a racing form.

[ddthetide]

Originally Posted by -BT-

I respect you opinion and know where you’re coming from, but I feel the exact opposite. While you are right, it is harder to pull the trigger on things when you passing money to a teller rather then using a mouse, and at times the atmosphere is great at the track. But I live almost an hour from a racetrack and planning out my trips there is an ordeal since I live in the Washington metro area (the traffic is awful). The comfort of playing at my house, being able to cut bake and leave at the drop of a hat if something better comes up or just the convenience of still being home and able to get sh!t done around the house.

I’m almost the opposite of you, I haven’t been to track in almost a year, and wager primarily on the weekends (if that) through my online accounts. I do still manage to get out to the track on big days, but I see no need to head out there every time I wanna make a wager. Honestly I get board at the track, people annoy me easily and I can’t stand the chatter at times so I just end up listening to my i-pod in between races to pass the time, but that’s just me.

-bt-

excellent post BT. i'm in the same position with most of your post.

[docicu3]

Originally Posted by ddthetide

excellent post BT. i'm in the same position with most of your post.

I agree with both as the buzz of the track and cash in hand for work well done is the best but a Fed Ex check for an online cash is also pretty cool. I am more likely to stay away from the impulse stab when I am forking over dead presidents as opposed to playing with cash in an account.

There is also the advantage of having the wagering house keep track of winnings and loses for tax reasons that gives a small edge to the online gig.

Laurel is unfriendly but Pimlico is life threatening. Delaware Park is surreal at times as the big room is great simulcast.

The track for me is a visit to play simulcast most days which is where this business is going long term I am afraid as besides the big venues with the big races and talent the bulk of on track wagering is on simulcast events where I frequent......sad but true. Maryland racing died.....the only thing left of value are the big days of which there may be 5 a year.

[GPK]

I love the comraderie at the OTB. So many different personalities. There are a couple guys where I hang out that really "know" the sport and appreciate the work that goes into handicapping. There is just something about the atmosphere there that draws me in. I tend to get very bored, very quickly wagering from home.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by GPK

I love the comraderie at the OTB. So many different personalities. There are a couple guys where I hang out that really "know" the sport and appreciate the work that goes into handicapping. There is just something about the atmosphere there that draws me in. I tend to get very bored, very quickly wagering from home.

If they lack teeth, I wouldn't put too much stock into their selections.

[GPK]

Originally Posted by pointman

If they lack teeth, I wouldn't put too much stock into their selections.

Only one guy I even remotely listen to there at times, and his nephew is a major trainer on the SoCal circuit. I feel confident in saying there is no one there that puts anywhere near the effort into handicapping that I do. Just had a new guy start hanging out there. He just moved here from Lexington, KY. Couple years younger than me...but seems pretty sharp and loves the game.

[MaTH716]

Most of my wagers are made on-line. I enjoy going to track very much, but with the 2 little ones it is extremely difficult. Also in my situation, the only real time for me to handicap and play all by myself is at night. I love those friday night Hollywood cards. I live in NJ, so I would have to stay at Freehold to 1 in the morning to play that. It is just so much easier and convienent to play from home. Plus I don't have to hear it from the old lady that I am out to all hours of the night.
There are downsides though. Money management is a little more important. You have to make due with what is in your account, so it might be a little difficult to take a stab on a horse that you have a feel early. Because it might affect your bankroll for say a late pick 4. Also if you should win (haven't had that problem lately) not being able to withdraw what you want on the spot. Next thing you know you are playing Mountaineer on a Monday night.

[GPK]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

Most of my wagers are made on-line. I enjoy going to track very much, but with the 2 little ones it is extremely difficult. Also in my situation, the only real time for me to handicap and play all by myself is at night. I love those friday night Hollywood cards. I live in NJ, so I would have to stay at Freehold to 1 in the morning to play that. It is just so much easier and convienent to play from home. Plus I don't have to hear it from the old lady that I am out to all hours of the night.
There are downsides though. Money management is a little more important. You have to make due with what is in your account, so it might be a little difficult to take a stab on a horse that you have a feel early. Because it might affect your bankroll for say a late pick 4. Also if you should win (haven't had that problem lately) not being able to withdraw what you want on the spot. Next thing you know you are playing Mountaineer on a Monday night.

You say that like it's a bad thing

[Solari]

Originally Posted by pointman

If they lack teeth, I wouldn't put too much stock into their selections.

Aqueduct used to be full of guys that looked like that.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by Solari

Aqueduct used to be full of guys that looked like that.

Still is, as are most NYC OTB's unfortunately

[cowgirlintexas]

Originally Posted by GPK

I love the comraderie at the OTB. So many different personalities. There are a couple guys where I hang out that really "know" the sport and appreciate the work that goes into handicapping. There is just something about the atmosphere there that draws me in. I tend to get very bored, very quickly wagering from home.

I feel the same as you Kev..When I used to go to Sam Houston (when I lived there), I had a few "betting buddies" that I would sit with and talk horses with. I made a few extra bucks by listening to their views, but of course probably lost more in the end .. I also liked sitting alone sometimes as well and just focus on the horses... Now I have no choice but to wager at home, and do admit it is "convenient", but not as fun as going to the track.