Pari-mutuel clerks

[Doc]

Of all the things that irk me at the track, the worst one is the attitude of the tellers, especially at Philly Park. In general, most of them a.) don't make eye contact and pretend you're not standing in front of them b.) are downright surly c.) carry on conversations with their fellow tellers and make you wait until they're finished and d.) will try and cheat you if you don't watch them count the money carefully.

I don't know whether this is because they're in a union and know it would take a lot to get them fired, or what, but unless I'm cashing a ticket I usually stick to the automatic teller machines.

There's this one younger guy at Philly who regularly short-changes people, especially senior citizens. I even heard him be verbally abusive to one older guy, just because the guy was slow in calling out his bets.

I wish they would make an automated machine that would spit out cash, because then I would NEVER go to a live teller.

Also - have any of you run into a teller that demanded that you produce your Social Security card before they'd let you cash a ticket over $600? This happened to me at Pimlico last May...I knew I had to sign the IRS form but two tellers refused to cash it because I didn't have my SS card on me. :bang:

[RunningWild]

Why do you have a problem about your SS card.? I would show them my Butt if they asked for it.. So I could Cash the Plus $600 Tix.

GL.

[BIG RED]

I don't go to the track as much as I used to, but when I did, I did! I also would see the same tellers making 'mistakes' often, especially when it is busy. Now, you can say it was because it was busy, but I don't buy that. These tellers were no rookies and their persona was horrible.I had my own bartender, my own waitress, and my own teller(figure of speech), and these people were great! I could name them right now. Of course taking care of them is part of it, but makes for an unfrustrating day, especially the teller.

[Doc]

I don't have a problem with my SS card...I just don't carry it with me. One less piece of personal info to lose in case my wallet gets lifted.

[levinmpa]

Why do you bother going to the teller in the first place? Philly Park has dozens and dozens of self service betting terminals. They outnumber the live tellers by at least 5/1. You don't even need to go to the teller to get your betting voucher. Buy your voucher from a self service machine. Make your wagers using the self service terminals. If you get a winner, why do you need to cash it "right now"? Put it in your pocket or drop it in the self service machine to add to your voucher balance. The only time I ever go to a teller is to cash out at the end of the day. I see no other reason to use a teller. Also, the live tellers always have lines, whereas you can walk right up to a self service terminal and make your wagers. No waiting.

[Doc]

I usually only deal with the tellers when I'm leaving. Once is enough.

[Buddha]

I am sure there has to be ONE teller that is decent. If there is, find that one and utilize their services. I know at MNR some are ok, some suck, you just got to find the good ones and use them, or like levin said, don't use them til you have to. If you hit a winner, you can add it to your voucher.

[Zaf]

Doc,

I was at Philly Park this past Monday. I could not believe how incompetent, unfriendly and apathetic they were. My buddy got shut out 3 times over the course of the day. I bought a voucher after a few trips up there and was happy to place all my bets with the machines. The last race before I left I went back to the tellers asked for a 4 horse trifecta box, took the guy almost 1 minute and a half to punch that one ticket. Good Riddence.

ZAFONIC

[TOOZ]

When I go to the Meadowlands, if it's a minute or two before post, it's actually faster to go to tellers than standing behind the dolts who still don't know how to use the self betting machines, except when:

1. The teller is making bets for another teller or group of tellers.
2. The teller is looking at his program to see what he is betting and doesn't
acknowledge that you are at his window.
3. You go to the 20 dollar minimum bet window instead of the 20 dollar minimum total in bets window and the guy gives you a lecture that you shouldn't be at the 20 dollar minimum bet window because your first bet was 10 dollars, even though you are the only one in line.

[trying2win]

If someone suspects a mutuel clerk of being dishonest, and short changing customers on a regular basis, don't complain to fellow handicappers, complain to the management. Same goes for rude or inconsiderate mutuel clerks. You know the ones... they do things like... never smile, fling your change back at you, or never say thank you. Again, if you run into rude mutuel clerks, complain to the management. On the other hand, if you encounter pleasant, helpful, mutuel clerks with a good attitude and/or manners, let the management know about them too.

I'm assuming most racetracks have numbers beside the teller wicket, so you can take note of things such as ...time of day, wicket number etc, before you phone the pari-mutuel manager regarding your complaints or compliments.

T2W

[takeout]

Also - have any of you run into a teller that demanded that you produce your Social Security card before they'd let you cash a ticket over $600? This happened to me at Pimlico last May...I knew I had to sign the IRS form but two tellers refused to cash it because I didn't have my SS card on me. :bang:
From what I’ve read, if you hit a signer in MD prepare to be “scalded”. I think MD is one of the rawest deals around when it comes to signers.

I once had a “new” teller ask me for ID to cash a ticket that wasn’t taxable. :lol:

[the little guy]

From what I’ve read, if you hit a signer in MD prepare to be “scalded”. I think MD is one of the rawest deals around when it comes to signers.

I once had a “new” teller ask me for ID to cash a ticket that wasn’t taxable. :lol:I believe law requires them to ask for your Social Security card if you have a signer. I have used a driver's license ( in fact I did at the Preakness a few years ago when I had NO problem dealing with a teller and a signer ) and sometimes they're not difficult about it, but I believe they technically need to see your SocSec card.

I almost never deal with tellers either, and I don't disagree, in many cases they do suck. But not in all cases. If you spend enough time at the track, you shouldn't have a problem finding good tellers.

[andicap]

I agree tellers can be rude, but put yourselves in their place.
They have to deal with yahoos who show up at the windows and

-- handicap while they call out their numbers, taking 5 minutes to do what should be done in 1.
-- Don't know the correct way to call out wheeling or boxing and then complain that the teller punched the wrong ticket.
-- Cash at 2 minutes to post even though there are prominent signs asking you not to.
-- Come equipped with a ready-made attitude and give tellers crap when they don't deserve it.

I no longer stand in line, not because of the tellers, but the people in line who take forever and a day to call out their tickets. It's bad enough standing behind some moron at the SAM machine who is leaning on the window and still handicapping or punching in about $500 worth of Trifecta tickets.
But at least those lines are shorter and you're always safe if you go up with 3-4 or minutes left.

So give these guys a break. They're not highly paid and they've got to deal with a surly and idiotic public all day lone.

[TrackManSam]

It seems to me in this age of casinos, where the horse racing industry can ill afford to lose business, that they would do everything in their power to keep people at the track. But with most of these tracks having unfriendly tellers, unclean facilities, and just bad service all around, it's no wonder the horse racing industry is struggling. Can't these track owners with there books and degrees figure out that better customer service may help?

TrackManSam
www.ventyourfrustration.com (http://www.ventyourfrustration.com)

[Doc]

Look at what your typical casino in Aycee gives players - free drinks, comp meals, comp hotel rooms, etc. What does a racetrack give you? Since I go to Philly mostly I can speak best for my experiences there - the "perks" include free admission and parking. That's about it. Their "Player Rewards" program used to entitle you to a free program if you racked up enough betting points. The place is pretty clean, but they took away most of the seating on the first floor (a few chairs inside nearest the paddock), took away the benches in the paddock, and you have to pay a buck or two for a seat in front of the little televisions. Up on the second floor there's free seating, but no food/beverage during the week except in the Sports Bar, which is very smoky. Half the time you can't hear the call of the race inside the grandstand because the volume's down too low, and you can't hear the call of races from simulcast tracks unless you have your own little television. All in all, not a whole lot of "perks" to keep newcomers coming back.

[Binder]

Hi Doc

Sorry you got a hard time at Philly Park
Your recap sounds like it could have been at the Meadowlands
I just try to avoid the tellers at all times' Even when you do find "Your" teller they can turn on you fast
I guess Its just a part of the job
If I could I would do as the others say Just keep adding to the voucher.
The problem is I would probably leave it in the machine at some point .....
AGAIN :confused:

[RunningWild]

I have not used a teller or A Mach. at the track for the last 3 years. I have an acc. with Philly phone bet..I Take my Cell phone and Laptop to the Track I go to. I have a little Both with a TV. and I just Plug my LT in and pull my Handicapped Forms up and then use my Cell Phone and call my bets in..The only time I get up is to get a cup of Coffee..and to go home/:cool:

GL.

[NoDayJob]

..The only time I get up is to get a cup of Coffee..and to go home/:cool: GL.

:D God, you must have excellent bowel and bladder control! :D

NDJ

[Doc]

Hey Binder, do you have your own web site? Somebody was telling me about a guy with your last name that does...if so, what's the web address?

Doc

[RunningWild]

Well I do get up for that--- but didn't think I needed to say it?

[Kreed]

i kinda like most of them. they are real usa dudes from a non-PC era.
of course, they lack customer relations; so would I, if i wouldn't get fired
first. so i say, hey man, lets punch my tickets before i zombie out on U:
they look at me & ususally laugh ... i go to belmont & monmouth only. Med
a few times, but they're a pc bunch, like cafeteria workers.

[bdhsheets]

Like anything else, there are good ones and bad. Take the effort to find the good ones plus keep an eye on the dopes who are clueless in line. That'll save you more often than not. btw: give me a grumpy teller that can knock then out vs Ms/Mr Smiley who doesn't know squat from shineola. At AP there are a few tellers that encourage folks to have their money ready when they reach the window. God Bless them! lol

[PaceAdvantage]

It seems to me in this age of casinos, where the horse racing industry can ill afford to lose business, that they would do everything in their power to keep people at the track.

It's not that important to keep bodies at the track these days....abundant simulcasting along with online betting keeps handle up, which is all that really matters in the end....

[speedking]

Doc,

I'm at Philly Park nearly every day and I fully agree with you, but the folks there are still better than the Meadowlands. They are probably the most arrogant, self-absorbed bunch I've come across in years. I only use them for vouchers and cashing out, but they will keep you waiting for 2 minutes while they look at a program or newspaper and then finally look up at you as if they are doing you a favor. Monmouth Park is not much better. Their core crew has been there for ages and spend most of their time talking to friends on both sides of the windows.(this applies nights during racing season and all day the rest of the year.) Getting back to Philly. I've been going there for nearly 3 months now and experienced everything you did, so I opened an account. Now I sit down with a Tiny Tim and don't need to deal with any outsiders. Prior to that I would open a one day account for the Tiny Tim and cash out at days end. As I cashed out every day the tellers would look to see what I made that day and try their best to hustle a tip. Usually they would give me small bills for the last hundred payback and place all in one pile except for the final $10 or $ 15 which they placed in a second pile on the side. As courtesy, I usually left something, but never when they were so obvious and disrespectful. They learned in a hurry! Never had a problem with signers there, though. Another problem at Philly is that their voucher machines and betting terminals only accept cash in the amounts of $1,5,10 and 20. Their machines cannot take 50 or 100 dollar bills. Half the 20's get kicked back by the machines so you can spend 5 minutes trying to get a voucher for a few hundred.

A few years ago I was in VA at the Chesapeake Turf Club. I played there all day and was fortunate enough to hit a couple good sized signers. I was using a Tiny Tim with a one day account and left the taxable assets on the machine until I was ready to close out my account late that night. I had at least 6 forms of ID on me plus a copy of my SS card. I never carry mine with me. When I went to settle up I was told that they could not close my account out and I could only receive my non-taxable money, without my original SS card. They said that at the end of the night all one day accounts are automatically closed out and any money left in is turned over to the Commonwealth. Accounts cannot be carried over to the next day and without my actual card I was out of luck and nearly $7000. After a half hour battle with the acting manager, she finally came back to me as the facility was turning off the monitors and said if I took care of the teller to the tune of 10%, she would accept my ID and close me out. With no choice in the matter, I did it and received not even a thankyou from any of them. I haven't been down there again since. I'm sure that anybody in this business long enough has similar stories. I'm ready to check out Pinnacle.

speedking

[Binder]

This is the link to my website

Its a Sartin Methodology based Yahoo group

Named V/DC Messenger Service

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/VDCMessengerService/join

[takeout]

Accounts cannot be carried over to the next day and without my actual card I was out of luck and nearly $7000. After a half hour battle with the acting manager, she finally came back to me as the facility was turning off the monitors and said if I took care of the teller to the tune of 10%, she would accept my ID and close me out.
That’s the darndest thing I ever read. I’ve never used a Tiny Tim but it’s hard for me to believe that they could just screw a customer out of thousands of dollars like that. Sounds to me like the acting manager might’ve been dishing out a load of crap. The same people that won’t cash your signers without your original SS card are then willing to turn into 10%ers. That’s rich.

[speedking]

That’s the darndest thing I ever read. I’ve never used a Tiny Tim but it’s hard for me to believe that they could just screw a customer out of thousands of dollars like that. Sounds to me like the acting manager might’ve been dishing out a load of crap. The same people that won’t cash your signers without your original SS card are then willing to turn into 10%ers. That’s rich.

takeout,

They were correct in that all left on a one day account is forfeited when they close down for the night. A one day account at Philly operates along those terms also. Whether any managers or mutuel people can access those funds if they see a sizable amount remaining is unknown to me. I need my pin card and receipt to close out the one day and without them I'm out of luck also.

speedking

[TrackManSam]

It's not that important to keep bodies at the track these days....abundant simulcasting along with online betting keeps handle up, which is all that really matters in the end....

Good Point PA, but with Magna posting a 95 million dollar loss, is handle really up? My point is, is what if a newcomer goes to the window, and gets treated bad. That newcomer is going to say screw this, and that may be the last of his horse racing endeavours. Take that one fan per day or per week even, and times it by all the racetracks and otbs in the country. Thats a pretty significant loss. Who wants to go to a place where they get treated poorly?

I am of the firm belief that customer service is one of the BIG reasons why horse racing cannot keep up with the casinos. Race fixing and juicing can all be overcome, but its your direct contact with the fan, and his experience at the racetrack that is going to be the deciding factor.

RaceTrackSam
www.ventyourfrustration.com (http://www.ventyourfrustration.com)

[speedking]

I am of the firm belief that customer service is one of the BIG reasons why horse racing cannot keep up with the casinos. Race fixing and juicing can all be overcome, but its your direct contact with the fan, and his experience at the racetrack that is going to be the deciding factor.

RaceTrackSam
www.ventyourfrustration.com (http://www.ventyourfrustration.com)

Last summer I went down to the Borgata in AC to look at their racebook setup. They have personal workspaces, tv's and Tiny Tims; all necessities to me. I talked to the racebook manager and asked what they would offer me if I maintained a certain average handle. The best she could do was 1.5% rebate, but she sure tried to sell me on the free meals at the excellent restaurants, the shows and the much nicer and friendlier environment than Philly Park, which I told her offered me a 4% rebate back then. During my stay there that day, I was visited by at least 3 high level management people inquiring what they could do to make me happy. If they ever up the rebate program, I'll go back in a flash.

In contrast, I put the same question to a mutuel manager at Monmouth Park last September. I told him Philly was offering up to 4% rebate and asked what they could do for me. His attitude was they went up to 1.75% and I could take it or leave it. Not mentioned was that the maximum rebate was offered only on races run at Med or Monmouth. The max on races run at other venues was 1.25 or 1.5%. This place can be one of the worst. Once the local racing season is over they conduct simulcasting on the first and second floors of the clubhouse. Go to the second floor late afternoon or at night and you will not find a live teller and quite often there isn't a working voucher machine and nobody cares. Security simply tells you to go downstairs.

speedking

[speedking]

I've made a number of disparaging statements in previous posts in this thread and it's only fair that I give credit where it's due. After the clerks in Philly got to know me, most were friendly and helpful when I set up my daily account. All urged me to apply for a regular account so I could receive whatever credits were due. Last week I was sitting about 100 feet from the tellers. One lunatic with a heavy accent from the islands screamed and cursed at a teller for a solid 3 minutes in the fowlest language I've heard in a long time, because he claimed to have received the wrong tickets. The clerk remained calm, but Nobody should have to take that kind of abuse. A half hour later the same guy was at it again screaming that he was shut out because the clerk took too long punching his tickets.

Medical necessity took me to the Baltimore area a few times last month and I visited Laurel. I only bought vouchers and cashed out, so my experience was limited, but all tellers were friendly and wished me luck. Same goes for Del Pk when I stopped in last summer.

speedking

[Doc]

Speedking,

I was dumbfounded to read about your experience at Chesapeake. I guess you had no choice, and I guess anyone in your predicament would have done the same and given them their "tip." When I was at Pimlico last year (it was Preakness Day), I stood in long lines at the $50 window to have two tellers reject me because of my missing SS card, and then the third one I found reluctantly cashed it for me after I tipped him. By that time I was hot, bothered and pissed off, so I didn't care anymore. It was better than having to drive back to Maryland to cash the ticket, or send it through the mail.

And yes, I have seen tellers be abused by knuckleheads at Philly Park. But in the past I have walked up to tellers (specifically right across from the paddock), smiled and asked how they were doing, and gotten no more than a blank stare. So sometimes I think they deserve the verbal abuse they get from patrons. And their attitude directly contradicts the track's so-called policy of "Great Service - Guaranteed" that they promise in the program.

[JimG]

Speedking,

I have played off and on at the OTB in Chesapeake VA since it opened in 96, know several of the managers, and have never heard of this happening. Was this the VA OTB in Chesapeake VA or the Maryland OTB out over the water in a converted seafood restaurant near Chesapeake Beach, VA (been once to years ago and did not care for)?? Interestingly you enter the OTB from VA, but out over the water you are officially in Maryland. Used to be one of the closest places for Virginians to play the races prior to getting our own OTB's.

Jim

[speedking]

Jim,

Chesapeake, VA. The one down on Military Hwy, next to a McDonalds I think. I went down to that area for a couple weeks to evaluate living conditions and the turf clubs. I was exploring the possibility of relocating there back then. All other experiences were good at the Turf Club; people, food and conditions. I never anticipated a problem and left my funds on hold until late that night. It was a female, possibly a head teller, not an actual manager, who caused so much grief and did not want to budge an inch. To really put the icing on the cake, nobody thanked me, said good night or anything else as I packed up and left. Maybe I should have complained to management the next day, but I checked out of the Extended Stay America in Chesapeake the following morning and headed back north.

speedking

[sq764]

I've never been to Chesapeke, but when my wife and I are in Williamsburgh, we always catch one night at the Hampton OTB run by Colonial.. The people down there were always very nice and very friendly..

[JimG]

Speedking,

That's my old stomping grounds. So sorry to hear of the problems you had. Bad expereinces like that are inexcusable. If I would have known about it at the time, I would have tried to help. While I don't have much or any pull with Colonial management, I know one or two folks who may.

Just know that not all of us in VA are like that and if you ever return, drop me an email and we can meet at the otb or better yet, the track in the summer.

Jim

[JimG]

Scott,

The Hampton otb is really nice and is much newer than the one in Chesapeake. It was built from the ground up and the atmosphere reflects that. The acoustics in the Chesapeake facility are bad as that building is a converted grocery store.

Jim

[speedking]

Speedking,

That's my old stomping grounds. So sorry to hear of the problems you had. Bad expereinces like that are inexcusable. If I would have known about it at the time, I would have tried to help. While I don't have much or any pull with Colonial management, I know one or two folks who may.

Just know that not all of us in VA are like that and if you ever return, drop me an email and we can meet at the otb or better yet, the track in the summer.

Jim

Jim,

Up to the point of that incident, I thought the facility and people were great. I still correspond with another serious player from Virginia Beach and we met at Del Pk last summer. If we get a few dry days this summer, I'll definitely meet up with you at the track. Turf racing is one of my strong points and I love it.

speedking

[takeout]

takeout,
They were correct in that all left on a one day account is forfeited when they close down for the night. A one day account at Philly operates along those terms also.
I’m astounded and amazed by those rules. They’ve taken screwing the customer to new heights.

[fmhealth]

Contrary to most posters, I don't have much of a problem with clerks. Bet mostly at AP or one of their OTBs. Always tip & usually use the same clerks. Same experience at HAW, which BTW opens tomorow.

Actually find that most clerks are underpaid and consientious. Had a small "attitude" problem at GP last week when a clerk overtly cheated a "newbie" out of $10. Told him to refund the $s or I was going to file a formal complaint with Scott Savin(VP). He reluctantly returned the money. Decided it was in the best interest of the game to report this miscreant to management anyway. They said they'd follow-up.

Overall, considering the workload, various tracks & types of bets called by regulars & newbies alike. I believe they do a better job than I could.

[speedking]

fmhealth,

Always glad to hear about more positive responses. Actually, if you visit Monmouth Park during the live summer meet, the seasonal workers will likely smile and wish you good luck and a good day.

speedking

[speedking]

Hi Doc

Sorry you got a hard time at Philly Park
Your recap sounds like it could have been at the Meadowlands
I just try to avoid the tellers at all times' Even when you do find "Your" teller they can turn on you fast
I guess Its just a part of the job
If I could I would do as the others say Just keep adding to the voucher.
The problem is I would probably leave it in the machine at some point .....
AGAIN :confused:

Binder,

At Monmouth Park you don't always have to worry about leaving your voucher in the machine. Others are always around to help remove it for you. One day last summer when MP had live racing I was upstairs in one of the air-conditioned simulcasting rooms in the grandstand. I had a voucher for $677 which I inserted into the machine and was ready to make a wager at Belmont when I realized I couldn't understand a thing on the screen. Someone had switched it to spanish! With only a minute to post I was steaming and cursing and a couple fellows from behind me stepped up and offered to help. At the same time a great looking babe in a very low cut top grabbed my arm and asked what the problem was. As she moved closer to me, the drink in her hand "accidentally" spilled all over my shirt and slacks. As she ran for napkins I was so hot I was seeing red. Turned around to the machine and the voucher was gone and so were all the people who were around me a couple minutes ago. I couldn't believe that after all these years I got suckered like that. I went to MP management and security to report the incident and was basically told that "this is a new one on us" and "you always have to look out". That's another reason I rely on the Tiny Tims and seek them out. For me, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

speedking

[toetoe]

Binder,
Is that Karen Valentine in the picture?

[toetoe]

King Speed,
I was about to post re. vouchers lost or left, then read your story. Every voucher has descendants or predecessors that can be useful in freezing the stolen voucher. If the thief does anything but take it directly to a seller to cash it, you have time to tell mgmt. and freeze it. Exceptions are:
1)mgmt. dumber than dirt or don't care, and
2)crooked seller agrees to help thieves.

It's very frustrating to try to tell someone that yes, he CAN freeze my voucher, here's how, please DO it!

As to sellers, they are well paid in Ca., with a union and a waiting list years long. No excuse for abuse from losers, but otherwise they love the job, I'm sure. They hate life, but their job is better than mine, I'm pretty sure.

[Binder]

Hi Speedking
Same ting at Meadowland - Minus the detracting women -
I put the voucher in the machine, The guy next to me starts asking questions
"how does this work" what is this..its Spanish? I reach over and tell him to push #1 when I look at my machine my voucher is gone.Ten by the
time I realize what happened the guy behind me and the other guy are gone

[Binder]

As Peter Marshall from the Hollywood Square
used to say
Yes Its the "lovely Karen Valentine"
http://www.bindfold.com/images/167_010.jpg

[toetoe]

Binder,
You've won tew-unna-dollas.

Petey was also famous for siring Pete LaCock, Dodgers pitcher, I think. PLEASE spell his surname carefully.

Kitts knew Allen Ludden and Mr. Marshall, you're no Allen Ludden.

[VicD]

The tellers at The Meadowlands are by far the worst I have ever seen, and that includes quite a few tracks around the U.S.

I went to the machines a long time ago, but the machines are the worst I have seen anywhere... They are not serviced properly, many do not take cash when they should, and since the account wagering is linked to a card, the card frequently does not get read properly...
The Meadowlands desperately needs new ownership....

[Doc]

Not to mention that "ground zero" at Meadowlands after 9 p.m. can be a very dangerous and scary place to hang out!

[Zaf]

Doc,

I have been to the Meadowlands many times, Whats "Ground Zero" :eek: ?

ZAFONIC

[Doc]

Ground Zero is the first floor grandstand - if you're facing the racetrack, the far left corner. :eek:

[Zaf]

I hang out in Race World most of the time, very close :eek: . I am usually overcome by smoke when I walk out of there. I never realized what a sh*t hole that is.

ZAFONIC

[Binder]

Been down there many times too...
Walking by 'in and out of race world is an experience...
Its everything, and its nothings like you can imagine
Lots a funny comments and a little scary too
I'll never forget talking to a good friend down there
were having a nice conversation, Some Hygiene challenged guy
walks by My Friend just starts screaming at the guy ohhhh
"Why don't you wipe your #$% ,,,,,,,"
It was too funny


Bind