I was listening to the Nick Luck Podcast this morning and there was a discussion regarding racecourses blocking access to certain bookmaker sites; only allowing access if those bookmakers are sponsors. It reminded me of this apocryphal but realistic story:
John was a keen racing guy. He would put away £300 every month and once it was gone, it was gone. Ok..sometimes he added a bit if he thought his wife wouldn’t notice but nothing he couldn’t afford. In the last few years, and certainly through Covid, he had moved exclusively to placing bets on his phone with Jimmy’s Bookmakers. However, even Jimmy’s had now restricted him to depositing £200 per month
His best friend was Kevin; Kevin had no interest in racing. John had for years been asking Kevin to come to Cheltenham with him and, in a weak moment, Kevin had agreed to go to the Tuesday of the Festival. The preparations could begin:
Kevin: Felicity (his wife and family financial manager) says I can have £100 for betting; how much will I need for drinks and food?
John: £200 and, don’t forget, you still owe me £85 for the ticket. Actually, you won’t need to take any actual cash as everything can be paid using your debit card or credit card and you can set up a betting account with Jimmy’s just like me
How do I do that?
Do you get pay slips and have bank and building society accounts?
Yes
In that case: there shouldn’t be a problem
Tuesday – the middle of March. Cheltenham Racecourse
Kevin: (on his second Guinness) Great idea on the betting app – wouldn’t have had chance to get to the bookmakers and get back here before the race anyway.
John: Thanks – sorry it took two interviews and six years of tax returns but, at least, you have £100 you can turn into £500
Kevin: I’m going to go £20 on this Constitution Hill in the first – my bet of the day and Jimmy’s were offering 11/4 this morning. Let’s see what he is now.
That’s strange
What?
I can’t get onto the site?
What? Let me try on mine……What’s going on here. Let’s go outside – it must be bad reception in here.
Still can’t get in John. What can we do?
Did you bring any cash?
No, the racecourse said everything was cashless and I have the Jimmy’s app
OK – you’ll need to get some cash out from the ATM. And, could you get some for me – I only brought my credit card?
So did I
So…we have no way of getting cash?
Luckily, at that moment their mutual friend, Mike, just happened to be walking by
Mike: Hi guys. You’re looking a bit perplexed. Let me help you…Constitution Hill!
John: No, we know that. We can’t access Jimmy’s site. Can you?
Mike: Never can here mate; they block it because Jimmy doesn’t sponsor here and don’t you even think about 4G – you’ll never get on. It’s complete BS and so I always have to bring cash (adding, with a smile) and my debit card just in case!
John: Well, we’re screwed and can’t get a bet on
Mike: Look guys – I can lend you some cash. How much so you need?
John: Wow – thanks. We’re good for it, you know that. Kevin needs £100 and can I get £200?
Mike: No problem, guys.
He counts out the money and gives it each of them.
Unfortunately, right at that moment, Jerry walks by and see’s what is happening. No one is quite sure what Jerry does, but it seems to be some combination of the Gambling Commission and the National Association of Bookmakers. In any event, he seems to know more than he should. He is also, even more unfortunately, on very good terms with Felicity and Denise (John’s wife). John and Kevin cannot stand him, and Mike doesn’t know him which, immediately, causes a problem
Jerry: Sharing out your winnings before the first race guys?
Mike: No – these guys can’t use their betting app and have no cash, so I am just helping them out.
Jerry (unctuously friendly) That’s great guys.
But he still hangs around and Mike, who has better things to do, is out of there
Mike: Pay me back when you can lads. I’m off to the bookies
Once Mike had disappeared, the atmosphere changed :
Jerry: Hey John. I don’t want to overstep but aren’t you restricted to £200 per month deposit. Him giving you £200 is like doubling that – so much for problem gambling, eh?
John: Blame the racecourse: they won’t let me bet with the £200 quid I’m ‘allowed’ so what do you expect me to do. It’s their policy that’s the issue, not me.
Jerry: Hmmm. And, Kevin, does Felicity know about this £100? I know she knows about the £100 quid she let you put on the App but she also said that, with things being so tight, that was still stretching you. How is she going to feel about another £100?
John: You’re an effing jerk Jerry!
Kevin (holding John back) No John..he’s right. We can’t afford it – let’s find Mike and I’ll give the money back to him. I knew racing wasn’t for me – I shouldn’t have come. I won’t make that mistake again.
Kevin leaves and on his way out he hears the commentator saying “Constitution Hill…a superstar”
THE END