ONLINE TOTEBOARD QUESTION

[swetyejohn]

Where do the online toteboards get their data feeds? From the host track or from some sort of distributor?

I'd like to know what it takes and how much it costs to get a data feed.

Many online brokerages offer this service. Why is it that a reliable, low cost, robust, toteboard that uses an HTML format that does not change day-to-day not available to the general public?

I'd pay for this service. Perhaps if enough people are interested a players group could form to set this up.

I'm an idealist. What can I say.

[betovernetcapper]

I think the best is Pha Park. You do need to open an account, but otherwise it's free.

[swetyejohn]

I'm familiar with Philly Park Phonebet. And I do think it is the best. However, given that it is free -- except for needing an account -- how long will it remain an HTML toteboard? How long until they change the format?

Do they allow people to access it to scrape the data with computer betting software?

What this industry needs is a service that is set up expressly for online bettors who want to access the tote feed and not have to worry about how much bandwidth they are using and wondering if the tote provider will notice them and shut them down or block or restrict access.

That is why I think this service will have to be provided by players for players.

Not everyone is a whale. The beauty of betting exchanges is that they allow anyone to book bets. It used to be only well backed bookmakers could offer odds. Now anyone can.

The same should be done for pari-mutuel betting.

Am I wrong?