Nicest Place (no live racing)

[Redboard]

What is the nicest place you ever made a bet from? Not including racetracks that are holding live meets, meaning that the business is operating as an OTB only. So no Saratoga or Del Mar (unless they are OTBs during the off season.) “From Home” doesn’t count either, must be from a business.

The term “nicest” is open to your interpretation. It may be a members-only room with comfy seats , large monitors or good beer. Or it may be a small place that has a “hot” pari-mutuel clerk, or bar tender, who’s also a trollop. My point is, it could be the infrastructure of the establishment that you like, or the people that work there. You are welcome to provide details. I’ll have mine in a little bit.

[thaskalos]

I will never forget the feeling that overwhelmed me when I first walked into the Mirage sportsbook in Las Vegas. I remember thinking that this would have to be exactly what a horseplayer would want heaven to look like...assuming, of course, that he could take with him some money to bet.

[lamboguy]

i liked the Mirage Hotel back in the 90's when they were taking matchups and house quinella's.

[PICSIX]

Off my pontoon in the middle of Hyco Lake

[elhelmete]

TAB in Sydney, NSW Australia (mult locations).

The OTB in Ventura, CA by the water (forget the name).

[ChickenOrTheEgg]

Mohegan. It's the only place I've been given free drinks while betting horses.

[srdnaty]

Originally Posted by ChickenOrTheEgg

Mohegan. It's the only place I've been given free drinks while betting horses.

I second that! Plus the craps tables are not far away. I enjoying grabbing a seat at the bar, because you get more drinks that way.

[Teach]

Years ago at the Bellagio race book when it first opened. Plush furniture. Beautiful atmosphere. I felt like the Capo di Tutti!

[Spiderman]

Originally Posted by srdnaty

I second that! Plus the craps tables are not far away. I enjoying grabbing a seat at the bar, because you get more drinks that way.

Mohegan has a great racebook. All betting can be done at your seat and a smoking area too! Good, inexpensive food selection at several locations.

[Stillriledup]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

I will never forget the feeling that overwhelmed me when I first walked into the Mirage sportsbook in Las Vegas. I remember thinking that this would have to be exactly what a horseplayer would want heaven to look like...assuming, of course, that he could take with him some money to bet.

One of the greatest feelings in the world is being in Vegas with a roll of cash pounding the sports books with horse bets.

[horses4courses]

There are books in Vegas that I'm sure are fantastic - past and present.
I only get down there once in a blue moon, though.

Recently, I've discovered a hidden gem that's 30 minutes drive from me.
It's a William Hill book at Casino Fandango in Carson City, NV.

Spacious, well lit, desk and seating area for about 20 players.
Yes, it's small, but I doubt that they have more than a dozen
players at one time, except on Derby and BC days.

They have wireless internet, and they give 3% towards comps
on horse action. The food and service at the casino is good,
and with 6 good sized screens for racing, it's an enjoyable
place to play. House quinellas on selected tracks, also.

I had an enjoyable day there playing on the MLK Monday,
and I intend to play there more often this year, even
though I like playing at home, and there are other books
that are closer to me.

[NJ Stinks]

Like Thaskalos, the first time I walked into the Stardust Race & Sports Book I thought I died and went to heaven. Seriously.

It took me awhile to get over that space being bulldozed.


(My first time at the Stardust Race & Sports Book in Las Vegas was long before Simulcasting was available just about everywhere.)

[elhelmete]

I will also add Mohegan...very comfortable room.

Also have a soft spot for the Las Vegas Hilton. BIG book.

[NJ Stinks]

Originally Posted by horses4courses

Recently, I've discovered a hidden gem that's 30 minutes drive from me.
It's a William Hill book at Casino Fandango in Carson City, NV.

You might like this story, Horses4courses.

I usually bet in one particular William Hill shop when I'm in London. A couple years ago I bet Jason Duffner each way at 33-1 to win the PGA Championship. My bet as written was "6 pounds each way on Jason Duffner". I paid the 12 pounds and that was that.

Duffner wins and I go to collect. I get paid a lot less than I had coming and question the payoff. The teller says I only had 3 pounds each way on Duffner and points to a print on my ticket that says my total bet was 6 pounds. I asked to speak to the manager.

At this point I know I should have looked closely at the ticket when I bought it and that I really don't have any proof that I bet 12 pounds.

Still, the manager knows who I am from previous trips to London. So he tells me he'll call the head office and see if he can get approval to pay me the 6 pounds each way as written by me on the ticket.

The next day he paid me for 6 pounds each way as written. He said he told his boss that I'm an American who is a steady player when in London. He also said I usually don't play "each way" bets and that I may have been confused by the amount to be bet.

I'd recommend William Hill to anybody who asked. I'd also vouch for Paddy Power as a great place to play if anyone gets the chance.

[olddaddy]

Originally Posted by NJ Stinks

Like Thaskalos, the first time I walked into the Stardust Race & Sports Book I thought I died and went to heaven. Seriously.

It took me awhile to get over that space being bulldozed.


(My first time at the Stardust Race & Sports Book in Las Vegas was long before Simulcasting was available just about everywhere.)

After going to the Rose Bowl and Churchill Downs in Las Vegas for years and then to the Stardust when the race book opened, made me feel like I died and went to heaven also.