Comments on: Distant memories and forgotten dreams

By: Philip H

Philip H — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 10:48:24 +0000

I left the RAF after 3 years service and went to work as a trainee settler in the credit office of Arthur Horton in Sydenham. I stayed in the bookie game until 1972 and during those 16 years there were some periods of austerity but the punters kept on punting. Most of our business in the 1950s was 60% credit accounts and 40% street/factory/pub “runners” (cash) stuff. and and then betting offices came along.

I think Andrew might be right today that betting keeps going during a recession. Perhaps because inveterate punters always live in hope of a good tickle, and bad times seem to boost their hopes of a good win to help out the family finances.

I left the industry in 1972 whilst managing a chain of 12 shops in the Streatham, Brixton and Bermondsey areas. Frankly, I got really peed off with seeing a working bloke come into the shop on a Friday afternoon, open a wage packet and start chucking his hard-earned cash over the counter - and usually losing it. I used to wonder what it would be like for his wife that evening when he got home with his depleted wage packet? I simply did not want to be part of the game any more.

I still keep my interest in horseracing and usually have a small bet when it is on TV - but it is just for fun. That’s what betting should ALWAYS be: a little fun flutter. I cannot understand those poor fools who pay lots of money to “pro tipsters” and follow their “advice” come hell or high water. They are the real MUGS of the racing game. Still, it takes all sorts….

By: berminn

berminn — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:56:44 +0000

Definitely dont give them up but definitely do scale back on them. Fellhas previously betting in £50’s now betting £10’s and £20’s

By: ScottF

ScottF — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:38:25 +0000

from the Sydney Morning Herald, an interview with a lady of the night re the recession..

“I think that during times of economic downturn, you often find that it’s alcohol, tobacco, gambling and the sex industry which are the blue-chip industries,” said the woman, who gave her name as Catherine.

“Because I think men are unwilling to give up their alcohol, their sex, their gambling and their smoking.”

By: The Gambler

The Gambler — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:45:17 +0000

I disagree about the Gambling Industry being recession proof.
You would have to assume that punters are stupid.
When they have a choice of paying their mortgage, paying their energy bills, or buying their children food, they would have to be very stupid or selfish, to risk what cash they have left on the chance of picking up a yankee.