Setting Up a Home Wagering Office

[speedking]

Over the course of the next month I plan on setting up an office so I can do all my wagering from home. I'm not sure how many computers or monitors are optimum or the best sources for odds and video. Pinnacle seems to be the wagering site of choice for many PA members, but I'd like to know who else accomodates serious players. I'm a total novice in this regard so any info will be appreciated. Thanks.

speedking

[xfile]

Over the course of the next month I plan on setting up an office so I can do all my wagering from home. I'm not sure how many computers or monitors are optimum or the best sources for odds and video. Pinnacle seems to be the wagering site of choice for many PA members, but I'd like to know who else accomodates serious players. I'm a total novice in this regard so any info will be appreciated. Thanks.

speedking

I've been doing the home wagering thing exclusively since 2001. All you need is dish network so you'll have TVG (CHANNEL 405) and HRTV (CHANNEL 404), a laptop or desktop to wager and view odds (I only need the 1 computer because I use TVG for some odds). I use TCBets.com to place win bets and I view odds on drf.com online tote. I bet 5 days a week (New York tracks and Gulfstream, Tampa, Keeneland, Churchill...possibly add Turfway this year)...oh and you'll also need a remote with the MUTE button for the talking heads on TVG...lol :cool: ;)

[speedking]

xfile,


The way I see it, I'll need one computer dedicated to the program and data I use and another solely for wagering. What I need above and beyond, I'm not sure. Would the Dish cover most tracks?

speedking

[hurrikane]

I'm not sure what kind of computer you are planning to buy but I can't imagine one that cannot run your program and allow you to bet at the same time.

[JimG]

Over the course of the next month I plan on setting up an office so I can do all my wagering from home. I'm not sure how many computers or monitors are optimum or the best sources for odds and video. Pinnacle seems to be the wagering site of choice for many PA members, but I'd like to know who else accomodates serious players. I'm a total novice in this regard so any info will be appreciated. Thanks.

speedking

A broadband internet connection (for faster speeds and larger video) and an account with Brisbet and/or Youbet will allow you to wager on almost any track at an affordable price. Brisbet is good if you use their products as you get a 20% discount if you bet $200 in a month. Desktop or laptop computer would be of no difference but your preference.

If you want tv quality video, then purchase a satellite dish. Just be sure you have a clear view of their satellites. DishNetwork gets you HRTV and TVG. DirecTV is TVG only(but they have NFL Sunday Ticket). With both networks, they may or may not be showing your track live. You'll need to check the schedules at their respective websites.

Jim

[cj]

If you need two computers, you don't, you just need a better one. :D



xfile,


The way I see it, I'll need one computer dedicated to the program and data I use and another solely for wagering. What I need above and beyond, I'm not sure. Would the Dish cover most tracks?

speedking

[speedking]

hurricane & CJ,

Almost seemed too simple. I already have a P-4 laptop and desktop. I'm used to having the laptop with all the figs at the track with a Tiny Tim alongside and a dozen + screens in front of me with video and odds. Thought I would have to replicate the set-up with a few computers and a TV. Thanks for the input. I'm not really trying to complicate matters, just time to take advantage of the rebates and eliminate the tellers, bad food and poor management.

speedking

[hurrikane]

I can't blame you speed.

you also remove the drunken loudmouth that can tell you winner of every race before, during and after the race. It's just that the number keeps changing. :D

[Indulto]

Speedking wrote, “… just time to take advantage of the rebates and eliminate the tellers, bad food and poor management.”

That says it all. Even though simulcasts have become a staple of the on-track experience, tracks have failed to make it comfortable and convenient to participate and compete. At Hollywood Park, little effort has been expended to provide adequate seating near large screen monitors and none to provide any audio to accompany the inferior video leader tracking during the race. The joy of paying outrageous prices for poor quality at concession stands is exceeded only when standing in long, slow lines or hiking across broad expanses to compromised restroom facilities.

And then there’s the level playing field issue. As attendance figures shrink, you’d think on-track patronage would be competitively rewarded, but if one can’t even make grass grow how can one be expected to make crowds grow?

So when you add up your non-wagering expenses, the account wagering/video subscription costs don’t seem excessive (at least currently, but remember what happened to cable subscribers). And if fear of identity theft makes you hesitant to give Direct TV your SSN, or to provide it to the wager broker in advance of ever hitting an IRS signer, just remember all those lucky ten-percenters who received the Drexel Brother’s fix-six bonus.

[JustRalph]

Speedking wrote, “… just time to take advantage of the rebates and eliminate the tellers, bad food and poor management.”

That says it all. Even though simulcasts have become a staple of the on-track experience, tracks have failed to make it comfortable and convenient to participate and compete. At Hollywood Park, little effort has been expended to provide adequate seating near large screen monitors and none to provide any audio to accompany the inferior video leader tracking during the race. The joy of paying outrageous prices for poor quality at concession stands is exceeded only when standing in long, slow lines or hiking across broad expanses to compromised restroom facilities.


That ship has sailed. I think the tracks know it too. I can tell you that Sam Houston has excellent facilities, great food at a great price, and if I lived 5 minutes from the track I still wouldn't attend more than 5-10 days a year. And that would be to take advantage of the great weather and the jockey club. It is just too easy and way more comfortable for me to sit at home in my shorts and a t-shirt and play. Not to mention the Sat. Dish and TVG-HRTV. I can pass a race and chase the wife for twenty minutes or take a short step to the kitchen for a coke and a smile. Within seconds I can view the odds in 5 different rooms of my house. I can bet from 2-3 locations in the house or carry a laptop out to the deck. Hell, I have never tried it, but I could sit in the hot tub and play the races. Why in the hell would I ever want to go back to the track?

I think the tracks have made the decision that people don't come to the track anymore. End of story.

[headhawg]

I can pass a race and chase the wife for twenty minutes or take a short step to the kitchen for a coke and a smile.
What's your E% for those two trips? :D

[Memogram]

The "mute" button is most important!

[Jeff P]

posted by headhawg - What's your E% for those two trips? That cracked me up. :D

If you use a single computer, one thing you might consider is adding a second monitor to it. It's nice to be able to see many open windows at once rather than having to toggle back and forth between them.

For me playing from home pays one huge dividend I just can't get when I spend a day at the track: free time. I've been able to get more done in the past 3 years when it comes to programming and research than I possibly could have in 15 if I had spent all day at the track.

-jp

[richrosa]

I have a home office with a TV attached to cable that shows TVG 24/7. I use my Pinnacle and BrisBet accounts to wager.

Often, especially in the springtime, I take my laptop out on my deck where it is very relaxing. My only problem is that I often get ashes in my laptop keys from the cigars I tend to smoke (when my wife lets me).

Overall a home betting office is easy to pull off. You don't need much.

[Dave Schwartz]

In my "home racebook" I use 2 computers and 2 monitors, with a KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch. Thus, one computer gets two monitors and the other has only one, and I only use one mouse and keyboard.

I can toggle back and forth between computers by double-tapping the control key.

When I am on computer #2, I can still see the 2nd monitor from computer #1. The monitors are these:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11064645&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=

And they are just plain great, especially for the price. Next stop is two 22" but I just cannot justify the cost.

KVM switch is around $90.


Regards,
Dave Schwartz

[ceejay]

IMO two monitors are a minimum. I have two 23's, which is about the desktop space of 3 19's....

[Dave Schwartz]

Ceejay,

Tell me about those monitors, please.

Dave

[Indulto]

JR, thanks for the tip re: HOU. I’ll plan to visit there as soon as it’s safe to enter Texas.

You wrote:

“Hell, I have never tried it, but I could sit in the hot tub and play the races.”

Now there’s a shocking thought seeing as how you're into shorts!

“I think the tracks have made the decision that people don't come to the track anymore. End of story.”

The recent facelift at CD and attendance at SAR and DMR conflict with that assessment.

There’s got to be some explanation why the missing fans local to live racing aren’t betting off-track either since, if they were, you’d expect handle to be a lot higher.

[BMeadow]

In my office:

TV on Dish network, picture-in-picture to switch back and forth between TVG and HRTV. TV is set up at an angle to my desk so I don't have to turn my head to watch.

DVR to record replay shows.

Laptop computer set on Brisnet odds board.

Computer with two adjoining screens to have exchanges, pinnacle interface, youbet.com, or whatever else is necessary for internet wagering.

Additional computer and monitor with all horse notes, bet records, etc., in case of any questions.

Printer to print out past performances, charts, etc., attached to both computers.

Telephone with speed dial for phone bets.

Storage space for old pp's and charts.

Good luck!

[Zaf]

In my office:

One computer, with 4 browser windows open :lol:

Z

[BIG49010]

I prefer full track coverage, and you can get it for NYRA, Gulfsteam and Woodbine on my TV, they also have a channel with the KY tracks and others. Gives you edge of being in paddock, and less talk.


If you look into Canada tv on web you can find, and the cost is less than Dish or direct.

I can open up all necessary on laptop to make plays up to post.

[michiken]

In my office:

One computer, with 4 browser windows open :lol:

Z

Back to the basics. Me Too. One Computer and Firefox Tabs.

[ponypro]

Going back to my daytrading days someone showed me how to have multiple monitors and applications open at the same time. I have 3 flat panel monitors on one computer. You need a video card for each one. Then you open up your browser to say youbet.com, you simply drag it to your left monitor. Then you open up Internet exploper again and say go to brisbet. Once there drag that window to your right monitor. You still have another monitor available at your center screen to either run programs or an additional browser. Ive done this for 7 years. Very few people have ever seen it. Its very very slick

Tom

[rokitman]

There's video cards that'll handle all three.

[cj]

For those using Internet Explorer ( :confused: ) , the MSN Toolbar provides tabbed browsing functionality.

[ponypro]

Thats cool, I was told also that windows can support up to 10 monitors but I cant swear by that. You could have the look and feel of an OTB right at your desk.

[JimG]

Wow, some really elaborate set-ups. As for me, I have a computer, broadband connection, and usually watch the video on YouBet and keep up with post times, etc. as well from YouBet. One click on the track changes the video. Video is not as clear in full screen as smaller screen so I do not see value of separate monitors for video.

I do have TVG on satellite and watch that as well when I am certain they will broadcast the race I am interested in.

Jim

[Indulto]

PC equipment is so inexpensive today, any professional should embrace redundancy rather than cheap out. Why would anyone keep important data on the same machine they use to access the internet? Minimum two PCs each w/monitor and two hard drives plus TV. Best to install operating system and applications on separate hard disks and use portable drives as backup. Make sure you're still fully operational even if any one component should fail. TV should be able to function as a monitor and vice-versa.

Question for BMeadow: Is it ever necessary to view both TVG and HRTV simultaneously? Can you record from both at the same time?

[QuarterCrack]

This is a cool thread.

Anyone have pictures of some of these dedicated handicapping rooms to post?
That would rock.

I always picture the ideal handicapping rooms to be like mini Vegas sportsbooks! All kinds of monitors and lights and stuff. Silly fantasy I know, but it would be cool. Or, if you remember the last scene in "Casino", where DeNiro has the TV monitors all over the place with racing and football and stuff.

As for me, I just use the coffee table in the living room in front of the TV. I can't wait for the day I have a house with my own handicapping office. I have the floor plans all ready in my mind! :)

[BIG49010]

I am looking at new TV's does anyone think HD will be available in our lifetime or is it a waste of money getting an LCD type TV for horse racing.

Anyone have any ideas on what to buy?

[PaceAdvantage]

OK, here are three pictures, one from my home simulcast setup, plus two of my friend's setups....can you guess which one is mine?

[BillW]

OK, here are three pictures from my home simulcast setup, plus two of my friend's setups....can you guess which one is mine?

If the seat was furlined, I'd guess "B". :lol:

[rastajenk]

After years of compiling data and doing every kind of analysis known to wagering man.....do you give that wheel in the first one a big spin and see what number comes up? :bang:

[MichaelNunamaker]

Hi Ponypro,

You wrote "Thats cool, I was told also that windows can support up to 10 monitors but I cant swear by that."

I personally use eight monitors so I can vouch for that. A _GREAT_ utility when you have more than one monitor is ultramon by realtimesoft.com.

They also have a gallery of multi-monitor setups. A picture of my rig is there at

http://realtimesoft.com/multimon/gallery_browse.asp?ID=636&date=desc&nummon=true&mon=desc

One thing that really gives me a chuckle is looking at web pages maximized across all the monitors. Almost no one has web pages that use all the screen when the screen is 4800 x 3200. The one exception I've found is maps.google.com. They will fill up the whole thing. It is like looking at a poster, and it is totally amazing.

Mike Nunamaker

[Dave Schwartz]

I spent several minutes browsing the other pictures.

What I find amazing is that most of these are single computers with lots of video cards. Sure, I use two monitors, but I find multiple computers to be much more powerful.

Dave

[MichaelNunamaker]

Hi Dave,

You wrote "Sure, I use two monitors, but I find multiple computers to be much more powerful."

How many computers would you like? I have a bunch, and I control all but my main one with Ultravnc. Virtually none of my serious computational work is done on my main machine(the one with the eight monitors). It's all offloaded and managed by remote control with Ultravnc. Using a remote control program allows me to have a room full of computers away from my office. A KVM switch would have a problem with the distance and number of machines.

Mike Nunamaker

[Zman179]

OK, here are three pictures from my home simulcast setup, plus two of my friend's setups....can you guess which one is mine?

Man, I got a good laugh out of that. :lol:

Mine is definitely number 1. But it's rough when the power to the TV gets low, having to crank the wheel for more electricity becomes cumbersome when trying to handicap the 4th at Beulah.

[PaceAdvantage]

By the way, I must admit that I hijacked those photos from a similar thread on a daytrading forum I frequent....they had a thread going about setting up a home trading office....

[Zaf]

The street office is a classic :lol: :lol: :lol:

Z

[thebeacondeacon]

I agree. Great Thread!

However, I prefer devoting my monitors to feeds from XpressBet, eBet, Philly, Hawthorne, HPI, etc. TVG and HRTV coverage, while entertaining, is just too spotty for me and unreliable, when it comes to opportunities for physicality handicapping.

[ponypro]

I was just at a clients office and he was showing me his new monitor. The new 21" Gateway Hi defLCD. Now get this, he flips the screen 90degrees and shows me the web site lengthwise The web site flips too!!!(if that makes sense) The first thing this degenerate mind thinks is ( I can pull up the youbet program page and see the entire program, all 12 horses without any scrolling) This is awesome technology now on my Christmas list

Tom

[JustRalph]

I was just at a clients office and he was showing me his new monitor. The new 21" Gateway Hi defLCD. Now get this, he flips the screen 90degrees and shows me the web site lengthwise The web site flips too!!!(if that makes sense) The first thing this degenerate mind thinks is ( I can pull up the youbet program page and see the entire program, all 12 horses without any scrolling) This is awesome technology now on my Christmas list
Tom

Tom

I have seen these.......they are awesome for watching movies too

[MichaelNunamaker]

Hi Ponypro,

he flips the screen 90degrees and shows me the web site lengthwise

You can do it with almost any monitor with software called Pivot pro from Portrait Displays at http://www.portrait.com/. Most of the high end LCD panels come with wonderful mounts the pivot well. About the best LCD these days IMHO is the Dell 24" lcd. It has the nicest single LCD panel mount I've ever seen. The panel itself is stunning.

I run all eight of my monitors in potrait mode all the time.

Mike Nunamaker

[ponypro]

Thats Mike, that is awesome. I work in this field I cant even keep up with the new stuff!!

Tom

[BIG49010]

Anybody made cool upgrades in last year?

I am still trying to decide on the best LCD TV?

[JustRalph]

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Id=4075470&JRSource=googlebase.datafeed.SAM+940MW

I got one of these at Staples for $359

Picture in Picture-HDTV (720) and 19 inch monitor for the computer.

It does it all.

Up to 1440x900 Resolution / 700:1 Contrast Ratio / Analog and Digital / Works with PC and Macintosh / Can display 720p HDTV / Magic Tuner / BBE Sound

Does a TV need to be in a living room? Does a Monitor need a Computer to function? Samsung will certainly change your thinking. With its WXGA widescreen technology, this 19" (diagonal) flat-panel LCD screen can be used as a monitor with your Windows PC or Macintosh computer. Yet it can also be a TV. With a top display Resolution of 1440x900, it can also display HDTV Programming from an external source. Equipped with Samsung's Macic Tuner - The built-in tuner supports TV and Video signal formats used in 140 countries worldwide, including NTSC, PAL, and SECAM. Whether you're studying abroad, serving in the military, or treating yourself to a cruise, there's no need to leave your TV behind! With PIP you can view the Internet while watching TV.
Pixel Pitch(mm) 0.294
Brightness 300 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio 700:1
Viewing Angle 160-degrees
Analog and Digital Connectivity
8 Milliseconds Response Time for excellent video and fast gaming action
Maximum Resolution - 1440x900 / 16.7 Million Color capability
Signal Input - Input Video Signal Analog RGB / DVI Digital link : TMDS / Composite S-Video / Component, TV(antenna/cable) / SCART
HDTV Ready
MagicTuner (Support worldwide TV Systems)
Virtual Dolby Surround and BBE
PIP / PBP (PC mode only)
Unit Dimensions (W×H×D) 18.3" x 16.0" x 8.5" (with stand) / Weight 13.0 lbs.

[Tom]

Now you will really be able to see just when your horses start backing up!;):D

[Robert Fischer]

Be efficient, but never let economics limit your ergonomics ;) .

[PriceAnProbability]

My recommendations:

1. Brisbet account (for reliability and video privileges, as well as bets you can't get at Pinnacle) and Pinnacle account (for rebates). Throw in a PhoneBet account (Philadelphia Park) for redundancy.

2. IBM PC Pentium D with dual core processor and about 3 gig of ram should do the trick for the computer.

3. Handicapping skill.

[BIG49010]

I got one of these at Staples for $359

Picture in Picture-HDTV (720) and 19 inch monitor for the computer.

It does it all.

Up to 1440x900 Resolution / 700:1 Contrast Ratio / Analog and Digital / Works with PC and Macintosh / Can display 720p HDTV / Magic Tuner / BBE Sound

Ralph,


Do you use it with Dish network? If so can you watch both TVG and HRTV at the same time?

Thanks

[Hank]

On my research I'd say the sony bravia xbr 2 or 3 and the sharp aquos 1080p models are tops.Myself I'm going Pioneer plasma!!:ThmbUp:

[classhandicapper]

OK, here are three pictures, one from my home simulcast setup, plus two of my friend's setups....can you guess which one is mine?

OMG, that was funny. :lol:

[JustRalph]

Do you use it with Dish network? If so can you watch both TVG and HRTV at the same time? Thanks

with a second box (tuner) sure you could.

[BIG49010]

I took your tout, I found at of all places DELL for $342 with tax, shipping, etc.... included.


Thanks Ralph

[formula_2002]

Gosh I'm a got a home.
I'm a got 4 computers.
I'm a got the time.
I''m a got the money.
I'm a got bisbet.
I'm a got cable to TVG.
I'm a got books
I'm a got data
I'm a got programing skills.
I'm a even got an "A" in physics :)
All I 'm a need is a winning system!! :blush:

[formula_2002]

OK, here are three pictures, one from my home simulcast setup, plus two of my friend's setups....can you guess which one is mine?
Now that is funny!!

[NoDayJob]

If you are playing multiple tracks, how can you have time to watch the races? I haven't been near a race track in years. I might occasionally watch a replay of a race if I'm not updating scratches, running races and getting my wagers down. IMO, if you believe this is a business and not a hobby you won't be watching too many races.

[Ron]

I think you also have to consider if you want to have it guest-friendly. I have monitors spaced out around the room like an otb or simulcast facility.

[The Hawk]

Hey Ron, would you be able to post a picture of your set-up... a real one (even though I admit I liked PA's pics). I'm trying to do the same and could use some ideas. Thanks, if you can do it.