October
MayLooking elsewhere
Following the High Court’s obviously ratty decision to allow the racing monopoly to increase prices, customers have to pay to sustain this historically inept industry.
I have been advised by Betfair that its commission is now increased by 30 percent on racing in Australia. The higher prices are now obvious in Betfair trading. Saturday last I had eight bets, with only five on Betfair.
Beforehand I only had an occasional bet with bookies but now the prices from Betfair are so high that we Betfair customers have lost our price advantage.
Whilst I have dropped off international betting due to the wonderful situation we Aussie punters enjoyed, I will now have to bet on international races, where the prices I can obtain are still competitive.
The Productivity Commission rightly saw that racing’s customers only deal in figures. Unfortunately for punters, the Trade Practices Commission also has no juristiction over racing as it apparently does not sell "goods and services".
Having matriculated with a few future lawers and had dealings with a few more, including a couple of High Court judges, I can attest that those who take up law as a profession tend to excel in English and history at school but that mathematics is not their forté.
The courts of Australia are no doubt full of people who can make a judgment as to the guilt of a thief or murderer but not the necessary aptitude to adjudicate in matters that affect punters.
With Royal Ascot around the corner it is the perfect time for me to reinvigorate my international betting career.
Bendigo (Vic)