Hi guys,

I'm a producer with SBS TV on their Insight show. We're doing a story on online betting and gaming and I was wondering whether any political junkies out there liked to have a punt on elections and leadership battles.

The research suggests that election wagering and sports betting -- unlike lotteries, gaming machines and the like -- can actually favour the punter.

I'm pretty keen to learn a bit about picking a winner if anyone's keen to give me some guidance, it's all part of us exploring the kind of betting in the market place now available with the advent of the online providers.

If you're up for a chat, I'd most appreciate you taking the time. I can be reached here or at scott.mitchell@sbs.com.au

All the best,

Scott

Oh, and there's a few of us on here who would like some serious costs-benefits analysis done on the whole Superannuation Tax Concessions scam.

It is good in theory but in practice it is counter-productive reverse-means-tested WEALTHfare, that effectively-pre-pays multiple pensions to those who would never have been a drain on Aged Pensions in any event - and unnecessarily depletes our national coffers at almost every stage in the process!

Scott_SBS wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2011 at 2:51pm:


Hi Scott, I have been keeping a record of horse racing and I think you can win but you must have discipline. Here's what a good punter must do:

1. Don't bet on 2-year-olds at the beginning of their racing (from Spring to December)
2. Don't bet on the hurdle races
3. Never put a bet on if the price falls below 6/4 (TAB $2:50)
4. Back the favourite but observe rule #3
5. Don't torture yourself with the form guide - just let the educated money show you the way
6. Be careful when betting in the wet. If you aim to leave with $100 and it's a wet day reel in your expectations.
7. Try and go to the racetrack where you will get better value. Stand in front of the bookies and watch the large TAB screens. When the favourite becomes obvious hit the bookie because he most often times offers better odds. If there are equal favourites in a race stay out of it. Have a quick coffee and consult your racebook. If the next race is interstate you should be standing in front of the interstate bookies.
8.Once you win your goal amount put your hands in your pockets, buy a coffee or just leave the track. Don't keep betting. If you win with your first bet all the better. Go home.

It's rule #8 that will put you in front. That's where most punters come undone. If they win on the first race they think they can pick the card. No chance of doing that.

** If you go to the mid-week meetings be vewwy vewwy careful. The class of horse is not as strong as Saturday class.

Good luck.