Saftote Thanks You All........

I am somewhat bemused by the punters who continue to feed this rapacious beast.

Last night I noticed that Saftote managed to declare a R1 dividend on both the WIN & PLACE bets struck on Carry On Alice.

The place dividend was to be expected (although not necessarily defensible!) but even I was somewhat surprised by the win payout.

I cannot imagine suffering the anxiety of striking a wager on a very short priced favourite only to have my money returned to me. Nett, of course, of the usual massive takeout.

I understand that bookmakers laid about 1/8 on her chances so you were entitled to expect a 12% gross return on a successful bet no matter how 'skimpy' that might seem. Not forgetting that we have all watched in bemusement as like priced 'good things' got beaten.

How this 'arrangement' is not treated as blatant financial fraud is beyond me. Yet Saftote sees nothing amiss in charging an effective 'service fee' of (allegedly) as much as 25% on your STAKE; which can hardly be described as conducive to fostering ongoing support.

The only way in which to send them a message which even they will 'get' is to STOP SUPPORTING THEM and ensure that turnover dries up by another 15% at the very least. Then perhaps they might act to provide a better deal for punters.

Sure we have gone over this subject before , is it even legal to return no winnings ?

Also noticed it last night. Disgraceful and disgusting. How do you expect to attract newcomers to horse racing? What happened to the policy of a minimum win dividend of R1.10? Disgraceful on the establishment and thumbs down.

This is the exact scenario where the money 'stolen' from the round down of dividends should be used to subsidize a minimum of R1.10 being paid on the win bet.

As I said last night, absolutely disgraceful

I have had it up to the gills with tote takeouts and bookmaker over rounds. For me the worst is that I get limited everywhere.

So f-you betting industry. All accounts closed and if I want to take a big (sport bet), I take a day or two out and drive around to 20/30 outlets putting on R5-10k at all outlets. No FICA, no questions, all anonymous

Hence I only take P6's on the tote (no other option)

Not a boycott of the tote but with all the dead money it's the only worthwhile bet these days