AA defines insanity as Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
I am not a bettor. I have toyed with the idea of giving it a go and have read many books on the theory and technique of betting for a living but I just don't have the time necessary to devote to the endeavour. So I don't do it professionally or even well for that matter.
I enjoy the occasional flutter and have no problem dropping a couple large ($20) on a race. When I do it, I don't give a dam about the takeout.
I understand how it works but as I see it, if I am willing to take the 4-1 offered on what should be a 5-1 horse, then I take it. Sunk costs are sunk and it does me no good to worry about that extra 4% that went as takeout or breakage. If I don't like the odds and an appropriate cushion for my poor handicapping, then I don't bet.
If I were just looking for action then I could just bet the numbers and hope something comes in. As I understand it, the way one makes a profit in this game is by showing a high enough percentage of winners at favorable odds. Does this possibly reduce the number of betable races? Definitely, but the odds don't care.
I understand the outcry against takeout and breakage and all that and I am not unsympathetic to the plight of the bettor but, as I see it, the only choices are:
- Effect change
- Just shut up and bet.
If the bettor funds the game, and I don't disagree, then the bettor is in a unique position to make the changes necessary to bring the parties to the table.
Walk away. Stop betting.
Socialism as a government or a fiscal policy is stupid and wasteful but Jimmy Hoffa knew a thing or two about getting people to listen to him. Go ask him.
Breeders, trainers and owners are probably all up in a tizzy right now (well if any of them read this they would be so I guess I'm safe) because this would directly impact them but something has to give if real change is to happen. It has to come with pain, there is no easy way out of this and the intransigence and dysfunction that has governed this game to date is sickening.
Gina Rarick of GallopFrance, has an excellent piece up at the Paulick Report regarding the global struggles confronting the game.
Change will not come from the top. Pullthepocket has a piece he wrote in 2007, which he posted again at the end of last year (yes I mean 2008) and which will be timely and pertinent at the end of this year. HANA and Cangamble are fighting a tireless and thankless battle; we need to help them.
Bettors, it is your ball; if you do not like the game, take it and go home. Watch how quickly the other kids will listen.
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Are you sure that "doing the same thing over and expecting different results" quote is from AA? I thought it was AE (Albert Einstein), though I know I've heard that said a time or 20 at meetings.
Whoever it was, you make an excellent point. If people don't like Chevrolets and Chryslers, they can stop buying them and try a Honda or Toyota. I'm just afraid that our misguided industry leaders might try to make up for lost customers by charging MORE and not less for their product through higher takeout.
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