By Dave Gutfreund, DerbyWars.com
Two and a half years
ago, my life was totally different when living in Teddington (just outside of
London) and essentially being able to do what I wanted when it came to the
world of gambling. There were traditional fixed-odds bookmakers, easy
access to what are considered in the USA 'offshore books' such as Pinnacle, a
type of wagering referred to as 'spread-betting', being able to play on-line
poker on any site, as well as exchange wagering with Betfair being the
undisputed king.
Also during that time
period, I was attempting to set-up an on-line horse racing tournament site as
there was no such vehicle in existence back then (as it turns out, a
couple of blokes with whom I used to work have given that a go) and set-up a
company to do just that. However, something happened. In October of
2009, my life changed drastically when on a trip back to Chicago, I met a wonderful
young woman and a few months later my desire to be together led me to leave
England.
For those who don't
already know, in late 2010 I contacted a former associate from the world of
American horse racing to discuss a potential business arrangement and almost a
year later, Derby Wars was born and I feel blessed to be a part of the team
with such class individuals as Mark Midland and 2011 NHC Champ John Doyle.
Regarding exchange
wagering, my point is that I miss it. Miss it badly. Miss it way
worse than any of the other forms of gambling listed above including on-line
poker in the wake of Black Friday. Yes, if I had to choose only one from
having Betfair access or being able to play on-line poker, I would choose
Betfair over Poker Stars.
At many of the local
pubs when back in Blighty, discussions were often had (over a few pints, of
course) how the so-called land of the free really isn't all that free.
And without question when it comes to gambling, Americans have their hands
tied.
So, needless to type,
I am very personally hoping Betfair can help push legislation through and
exchange wagering can become legalized in the United States.
What I miss most about
Betfair are the unique wagering opportunities which consistently occur due to
inefficient markets and being able to capitalize on them. It was even
more exaggerated in American horse racing markets in part due to people across
the pond not being as experienced with our 'type' of racing and not being as
aware of the subtle nuances of our tracks, horses, trainers, jockeys, biases,
etc.
If there was one
slight negative about playing American racing on Betfair, the markets weren't
always as liquid as I would have liked and I have a fear of something similar
taking place if exchange wagering is only offered to residents of
a small amount of states here in this country. While I never really
got stuck into British racing in general and have an aversion to jump racing
(even with Cheltenham coming up next week), watching the incredibly liquid and huge
markets made my mouth water. And if there were ever to be such liquidity
here in the USA on American racing, it would be a real-life game-changer...not
just for myself but for a large number of players who have become quite
frustrated in having no betting option other than the tote.
And while I can't
really ever fathom a renaissance in the sport for which I hold so much passion
(which is often misunderstood on a personal note, btw), I firmly believe
Betfair would introduce a number of new players to horse racing who would
approach our game in a very different way.