Horse race betting gaining popularity in Mangalore? 'Off-course!'


Horse race betting gaining popularity in Mangalore? 'Off-course!'

Florine Roche
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Dec 4: In our country betting is still not considered or viewed as a behavior that enjoys social approval. But horse racing is the only sports in India where legalized betting is permitted though even this sport does not escape from the criticism that races are fixed. This allegation apart, there are many enthusiasts in our country who bet in horse racing as a hobby, as a pastime time or as a passion.

In Karnataka, Mangalore is one of the ten off course betting centers apart from Tumkur, located outside Bangalore managed by Bangalore Turf Club (BTC). This off course betting centre is located in the Lower Ground Floor of Albuquerque House in Pandeshwar, just opposite Forum Mangalore Mall. Horse race betting enthusiasts swarm the centre throughout the day and during evening hours. It attracts wagers from Mangalore and nearby districts of Kasargod and Udupi.

With the changing times horse race betting has become a favorite passion of people from all economic backgrounds, unlike earlier where it was associated with the elite and the upper class. Though at BTC and other racecourses women are keen participants at horse races and betting, at the off-course betting centre in Mangalore it is an all male realm. So it was not unexpected that when I entered the centre to get some information about it I was politely told by a regular at the entrance that it is club and not a place frequented by women. Incidentally I had arrived there on the opening day of the winter season of horse racing.

This off-course betting centre which was lying low from August after the summer season is once again seeing a flurry of activity as Bangalore Turf Club has started its winter season of racing from November which will go up to April. There are altogether nine racetracks in India and of this two are in Karnataka – the Bangalore Race Course and the Mysore Race Course.

The Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) established the off course betting centre in Mangalore in 2003 and it is functioning as a full-fledged off-course betting centre wherein enthusiasts can bet from Rs 10 upwards, the upper limit being unlimited. BTC has posted its own employees at this betting centre and the transactions are entirely transparent. By betting with a minimum of Rs 10 a unit, a racing enthusiast can earn a handsome amount not only by predicting a winner but also by predicting a horse which ends up as a runner up. There are many other ways of getting returns on a investment of Rs 10.

It is really quite intriguing to see horse race enthusiasts at the off-course betting center here responding before, during and after the televised horse races. If it is a thousand meter race the action-filled drama is short lived and so is the curiosity. When the race goes on these enthusiasts squirm in their seats, some are tensed and rub their hands, some stand and start whistling if the horse on which they have put the money is in the lead and finally there are aahs, oohs and oophs once the action is over depending on the results of their favorite horses. These enthusiasts who frequent this betting centre refer Best of Luck (BOL) booklet that contain vital details of the horses, their wins, losses, jockeys, the places they secured in earlier races and such other details. Bases on the details they garner, they place their bets.

There are many ways one can bet at the races says Keshav, a self employed man who has been active in betting for the last 20 years. Keshav was attracted to this sport when he was working in Mumbai and ever since horse racing has become a part of his life. But can betting in horse race be considered as a hobby having societal approval, is still debatable. “I don’t spent too much money or betting. I may play only with Rs. 50 a day or at the most go up to Rs. 200/-. Sometimes I gain which I spent and sometimes I don’t. If we know how to control it becomes a passion that can be enjoyable. But we should know where to draw the line and should not become greedy”, says Keshav.

There are three ways of betting at the races – either on the tote, the automated system that runs betting, with fluctuating odds and payouts, at fixed odds or with the bookmakers. Tote is a computerized form of pool betting. Here all the wagers made in a given race or combination of races is aggregated, taxes and fees are deducted and proceeds are divided among the winners as their payout. Betting on the tote means the wager is betting into a pool with everyone else who is betting on the same race and bet type. Therefore in tote betting the winning amount is known only after the race gets over. The total amount – collected after bets are accepted on each horse of a race is disbursed among the winners. While doing so, the government’s commission in the form of tax is shared by the government and host club. Whatever might be the facility through which this betting it is made, the entire Tote bets will become part of the same shared pool.

Anyone betting in a horse race can expect a return by various ways such as predicting a Win for the horse, Forecast two winners finishing first and second in the correct order, a Place where the wager is required to select the first three horses in a single race, Second Horse Pool (SHP) where the punter predicts the horse to come second, Jodi where a wager is betting on a combination of two horses in a single race, Tanala by predicting first three finishers in correct order and so on. There is also jackpot where the wager is expected to select all the winners of five different races. Finally there is a super jackpot where the wager is expected to select all of the winners of six different races. Keshav says he was a winner of jackpot price five years ago.

Srinivas Kamath, a retired bank employee from Udupi comes to Mangalore for betting on a regular basis. He spends a minimum of Rs. 300/- on a regular basis and occasionally manages to win. For Kamath it is more of a hobby which he says he picked up when he was posted in Bangalore.

PRO of Bangalore Turf Club Nagabhushan says “horse race betting is legal and is permitted by the government. Basically, we take this as a sport and don’t treat it as gambling because skill of the jockey is involved in a horse winning the race”.

Horse racing is not without its controversies of fixing; though betting in horse racing is legal. All said and done, the best bet when it comes to betting in horse racing is to treat it as a sport. It is not a healthy hobby for people who are wary of using reasonable restrain.

  

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Comment on this article

  • krishnappa, bangalore

    Sat, Oct 10 2015

    what happen to off course center in jayanagar N R colony arrange off course center at any place bangalore south banashankari or jayanagar

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolph .A.Furtado, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 02 2015

    As a Mumbaikar of Mangalorean descent with both my parents being Catholic Mangalorians i am surprised to read that "OFF COURSE HORSE BETTING" is thriving in Mangalore city.As a veteran "Horse punter" having completed my "Horse Racing Silver Jubilee" in 2015 find it surprising that "Horse Racing" is a pass time betting sport in Mangalore which is otherwise a Orthodox city unlike India's other Metropolitan city's including Mumbai.I have witnessed the famous "KAMBLA(Buffalo Race)" in the distant villages of Mangalore and was impressed by the organisation capabilities of small villages organizing this unique annual event.Will Mangalore have a "Horse racecourse" in the future ?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • rakesh tyagi, delhi

    Fri, Jun 06 2014

    Rags to the riches.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • CHARLES, SINGAPORE

    Wed, Dec 11 2013

    KESHAV YOU MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE IS A CHEATER,
    HE NEVER PLAYS WITH HIS OWN MONEY HE EVERY DAY CATCHES A NEW BAKHRA AND TELLING AND GUIDING HIM WITH LOT OF TIPS.
    WHEN LUCKILY IT WINS HE WILL GET GOOD TIPS WHEN LOOSE HE WILL BLAME JOCKEY TRAINER ETC.
    I LOST LOT OF MONEY BECAUSE OF HIM.
    HE IS LAZY FELLOW AND DOESN'T HAVE ANY JOB AND HIS ALL INCOME FROM POOR PUNTERS,
    GET RID OF HIM

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Thu, Dec 05 2013



    Hi P.N.A. - Kudla,

    Great and very logical comment.

    I think you are the 'Supremo' in the field of posting comments and the other non-challengeable guru is
    R. Bhandarkar. (It is my personal opinion)

    DisAgree [4] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ethan Avidhan Hans, Florida\Mangalore

    Thu, Dec 05 2013

    There are many shortcuts to failure, but there are no shortcuts to true success.”
    ― Orrin Woodward

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • NAZEER MANGALORE, MANGALORE

    Thu, Dec 05 2013

    The sad reality is that any time money is involved there will be people who try to cheat. Even in horse race betting people try to cheat the system. Horse racing evolved over the years to lessen the ability for dishonesty and there’s a number of safeguards built into the industry to protect the horses and the bettors.indian govt support for this cheating horse racing game ,

    DisAgree [3] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vinod, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    So lot more families to commit suicide..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ranjith Rodrigues, udupi

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    What about those companies that promise a higher than average interest rate, if you park your money with them??? Isn't this also gambling by fooling the people with fantastic returns? e.g, Sahara Group of companies and the like? Also, what about short-term / day traders in the share market, commodities market and forex market? Isn't this also gambling?

    DisAgree [5] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • P.N.A, Kudla

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    RAN-ROD,
    Buying a house/plot for gain is also gambling.
    Getting married too is the biggest gamble in life.
    Wear the cap if it suits you.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gregory Peres, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    We all know that illegal betting takes place the world over and in every sport. Instead the Govt. of India should legalise it and earn money by way of tax. It is silly to keep on saying that such betting is "illegal".The whole system should change in India.

    With high rate of tax on import of Gold smuggling has started. The Govt. should have the same rate as Dubai. Automatically the smuggling will stop and the turnover will rise of "legal Gold". There would be no reason to smuggle.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Wed, Dec 04 2013



    P.N.A.

    Thanks for your sincere thoughts.

    Let us be truthful in our comments. (except political comments because no one is perfect or truthful in politics)

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Wed, Dec 04 2013


    P.N.A.

    I agree with the first line of your comments and I need not put comments.

    I am not ashamed to disclose that my late father used to waste money on some sort of gambling i.e. called N.Y. (Cotton opening/closing price - commodity buying/selling price) during 60's. And those olden days, betting Rs. 100 plus every day was supposed to be a big amount. May be some of the readers know my late father.

    It is ok, he lost everything but God has blessed his children abundantly. Luckily, none of his five sons are involved in any type of gambling or betting activities.

    I am in mid Sixties but even till date I do not know what is rummy or flash. Thank God.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • P.N.A, Kudla

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    Yes Flavian,
    Sad to read,nice to know you are so truthful.
    Cotton figures were the opening and closing prices of cotton .in those days too cotton was traded through an exchange. Next came the underworlds entry into gambling with mudka / satta / etc which is very prevalent in mumbai.
    Just like brushing your teeth and having your coffee hardcore gamblers lay a bet when leaving for work and in to check the open/close. On return.
    Slum dwellers / are so addicted they would rather have their family starve than miss a days betting.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bollu, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    India's largest tax defaulter with dues allegedly over Rs 50,000 crore is a Pune based stud owner. Just a scrap dealer..to money-laundering/arms purchase..becomes billionaire..having vast huge amount all over in the world. Jai Ho..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • G R PRABHUJI, BEJAI

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    Easy way to END life.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Wed, Dec 04 2013



    P.N.A. - Kudla

    Truth is truth.

    Gambling is nothing but disaster in one’s life. I think once involved, it is difficult to free from the evil of Gambling. Heavier the loss further the wish to recover and loosing again. Finally bankruptcy, followed by………………………..

    DisAgree [8] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • P.N.A, Kudla

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    FLAVIAN
    You are right ...i think Matka, joint owners, lottery ticket sellers ,OD cricket bookies have pressed disagree to my warning.....
    ON READING I HAVE GAINED THAT ADDICTION TO GAMBLING IS TOUGHER TO GET RID OFF THAN...
    SMOKING
    DRINKING
    DRUGS
    THESE EFFECT YOU PHYSICALLY AND CAN BE TREATED MEDICALLY AS THEY ARE INTAKES AND BODY CRAVES FOR IT. BUT...........
    BUT GAMBLING IS A MENTAL ADDICTION.AND YOUR BRAIN AND SYSYTEM CRAVES FOR IT.
    THERE ARE FEW DE ADDICTION CENTERS IN BANGALORE AND COUNCELLORS IN ROSHINI NILAYA.
    GAMBLING ADDICTION NEEDS TREATMENT

    DisAgree [1] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    Kudre race huchhinalli Miliyaadipatigalu, Bhikshadipati aada sambhava hechhu..

    DisAgree [8] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Neil, Mangalore/Melbourne

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    People will have to exercise self control when they decide to gamble, or if they have become addicted to it, they must seek help to get over the addiction.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf, Mumbai

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    Any kind of gambling can lead to addiction which can ruin even a very high net worth individual in not so much a time!!! As somebody has already said right in Mangluru reportedly so many have committed suicide due to bankruptcy caused by losses in betting and this addiction like any other has no borders and can victimize people from all strata of society!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ravi B Shenava, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    Lazy people always prefer Gambling instead of doing hard work and earning sincerely. Mangaloreans are no better.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • praveen, manchi

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    Betting in any sport spoils the sports. Betting leads to fixing the games and cheat the true followers of the games.. IPL and T20 Cricket almost spoiled the game of cricket and spoiled life of common man who involved in betting. Some of them lost their life also for not adjusting betting money.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • CONRAD JOHN TAURO, SHIRVA/UDUPI/DUBAI

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    More popularity after 2014 election.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • P.N.A, Kudla

    Wed, Dec 04 2013

    Dear daiji readers,
    I remain anonymous but speak the truth.
    At least 6 of my friends in the past have committed suicide for lack of funds to pay back gambling debts.
    More than 100 have gone from riches to rags.
    Many in Mangalore have had to run away than face debtors.
    I know of a college in Bangalore where 70% Of the students are in gambling.
    My own son was in cricket betting and i paid a hefty sum to get him out.
    Another boy i know is in poker and has lost in lakhs...parents are still clearing his debts...but i guess his addiction is too far gone and has to be treated.
    Please parents beware of-this danger.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • desmond, bajpe

    Sat, Oct 03 2015

    Gambling especially horse racing is a slow addiction that will first lead to loss of time, then loss of money and finally loss of all family and friends. The only self made millionaires in horse racing were multi millionaires when they started. Bookmakers make money over a fixed time period because they charge illegal 10% tax , and balance books so that they take 10% of their turnover home at the end of each day, day after day .its akin to table money in a cards quorum which is the winner.
    its high time the gambling aspect of this game of skill is exposed to the authorities and courts.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse


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