My simulcast venue {dogtrack clubhouse} is a dump and the absentee owners don\'t care about their patrons. Would prefer to open an account and wager on the races from home. Any input to which service I should look into? {service, cost, rebates, regulations, customer service}
1TLasix, Try youbet.com . They have the best collection of tracks and ,imho, their interface and video (assuming you have broadband) is excellent. Your monthly handle needs to exceed a certain amount ($350?) in order to avoid a monthly fee of $7 or $8....you can also qualify for extra free months if you bet a lot in one month (check their terms on this). They have a rewards program for all bettors. Handicapping products are available for a fee online.
Currently , they have a 60 day free trial.
If you\'re a whale they also own IRG (a rebate shop).
To get a feel for their operation before signing up for their free trial,check out youbet.net (not.com)
Asfufh (ubet stockholder)
1st,
youbet.com
customers service - i have had minor problems in the past, and i know people who have had major problems. i must say though, i have not had an issue in over a year. overall, not great, but it\'s better than calling your bank. others might say it sucks.
cost - bet a few hundred a month, and you get everything free.
rebates - they have a small program. if you bet big amounts, you get better value elsewhere.
regulations - none i think. opening an account is a hassle, as you need to provide quite a bit of info. i think that\'s standard for the industry though.
product - there is no better product. the feed is as good as technology permits (very good imo). they have just about every track (including the big euro, hk, japan, dubai, and aus races). you can watch two races at once. the replay center is excellent. the internet betting system is perfect. the funds transfer system is good; after a short period of no credit issues, you can transfer funds from your checking account to your betting account with no delay. there is a delay of a few days when you transfer money out, i think that\'s standard though.
betting over the phone is an issue with youbet. i had a few problems when i first started, and i know others who have had issues as well. the system is all automated, you are not talking to a human. when betting big amounts, and trying to get bets in at the last second, you might not feel comfortable using this system. i do not use it.
i also have xpressbet. i don\'t fund it because they don\'t have live feeds from many of the tracks. the system looks pretty good though. on big days, i keep two youbet screens and one expressbet screen up, watch three at once.
my father uses winticket. he bets over the phone (with a human), and has no problems. the video feed is not as reliable as youbet\'s. do not use winticket unless you have a very strong internet connection.
i recommend youbet. you are going to have technical issues for the first few months as you learn the system, but once you get used to it, you will find this is a great way to watch and bet on horse races, as long as you place your bets over the internet.
I\'ve been very happy with Brisbet. Wager on-line or by phone Sign-up during one of their promotional periods and get a free $100 if you bet $100 the first month. No fees. Free fund tranfers from your bank account. No minimum monthly betting required. Free streaming video if you bet a small amount monthly.
Customer service the best. One of their techs solved a small connection problem and went on to help me fix other things on my PC not even related to my account.
They cover all American tracks and some international racing as well.
Bob
CTOTB is also very good. You can make wagers with a live teller or use the automated system. They offer a reward program as well base on your monthly volume.
You can make deposits at any Wachovia branch - contact CTOTB for details. IRS winnings are relased within a few minutes after the result is posted official.
I first started to used them back in the mid-90s to avoid the NY area OTB surchage and to get accurate track odds on out-of-town tracks before the simulcast expansion in NY.