Broadband Internet service has enabled the formation of many advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites. In addition to displaying current odds, probable prices and results, many of these sites provide streaming video of live races and race replays. They provide links to handicapping information and other horseracing-related sites. Some ADW's offer cash (account credit) rebates. Others offer non-cash rebates in the form of player "rewards". Most ADW bets are going into the host track's pari-mutuel pools. Some ADW bets are being "booked" and held by the ADW operator(s) at their risk.
The ADW industry is still in its infancy with new business formations occurring; and, with mergers and consolidations of existing ADW operators occurring. All of this activity along with rebate processes by some operators and bookmaking profits by other operators speaks to one condition: High pari-mutuel takeout.
In addition to profiting from high takeout, some ADW's charge onerous fees to horseplayers for handling account deposit transactions. They benefit from income earned from customers' cash balances and they utilize a variety of delay tactics in processing customers' withdrawal requests as well as assessing extra charges should a horseplayer request multiple withdrawals in a month. They do this while referring to their processes as "customer service"!
Currently within the ADW industry there are a series of "pissing matches" in play over exclusive rights to signals and video content; over commission rates for providing business; and, over who can approve what between racing associations and horse-owner groups. Added to the fray are state regulations, business-licensing laws and questions of legality in interstate commerce.
Meanwhile horseplayers have no say in any of this and are expected to jump through all of the hoops and negotiate all of the obstacles that the current wrangling presents to them. As mentioned elsewhere, horseplayers are supposed to "Shut up and bet". That's the only input the industry wants from us. ADW's are supposed to represent a convenient way for horseplayers (and presumably the rest of the industry) to utilize communications technology for betting and following the races. Instead they are being used as a bargaining chip....some bargain!
Taking some extended time off from this nonsense just gets easier and easier to do.
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