Is Going To The Racecourse A Good Bet?

Who doesn’t enjoy a day at the races?

I think we have about 60 racecourses in the UK. You are never far away from a decent day at the races. It’s worth noting that some courses are dedicated to National Hunt racing while others specialise with Flat, some feature both codes of racing. They range from run-of-the-mill meetings to high profile events such as Royal Ascot, Cheltenham Festival and York. There really is something for everyone.

For example, I often visit Great Yarmouth racecourse, down Jellicoe Road. It’s a lovely little course, which often attracts talented horses from large Newmarket stables.

The cost of racecourse entry varies from pretty cheap to quite expensive.

Great Yarmouth features a mid-price range for the Members’ Enclosure. I think it cost from £25 – £34 depending on the meeting. The Eastern Festival in mid-September, featuring Ladies’ Day on the Thursday, is very popular.

This may seem a long introduction to betting on course but it’s good to have some aspect of context.

The major reason for betting at the racecourse rather than using bookmakers is the fact that most online bookmakers restrict winning bettors. If you have no restrictions betting online then good for you. In that case, you may simply visit the racecourse from a purists point of view and enjoy a day at the races.

If you do wish to visit the racecourse to place bets you are unlikely to have any problems getting your money on. In this day of the Nanny State sticking its nose into every aspect of gambling this is a luxury we really didn’t appreciate until these days. It was the norm back in the days before brick-and-mortar bookmakers and the current online disaster.

So what are the prose and cons of betting on course?

Pros:

You can get your bets on.

You are unlikely to questioned whether you can afford to lose.

You have the option of betting in cash and getting your win in cash.

You can look for the best odd available.

You can enjoy the atmosphere of the racecourse watching live racing.

Cons:

The cost of travel can be prohibitive.

The cost of entry can be quite high for what you get.

The food and drinks on course can be expensive.

You are unlikely to get the best odds compared with betting exchanges.

In truth, there are many good reasons to visit the racecourse whether for recreation or business if a professional gambler or someone who has struggled with restricted or closed accounts. Gambling decent money at the racecourse is becoming more popular and it is understandable. This could well encourage more people to visit racecourses. However, I do feel many racecourse entry fees are on the steep side and that may be prohibitive.

I for one enjoy a day at the races and going to your local course or heading further afield is a great experience. Ideally you need to have a perfect summer’s day but if dressed for any occasion you can have fun on a cold, winters day at Fakenham.

As John McCririck used to say: ‘Go racing!’