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keithrichard

keithrichard

Joined
Feb 19, 2022
Messages
5,187
With the lull in action this week I find myself thinking back to the old days when we only had local bookies. I haven't dealt with a local in at least 15 years but have met and done business with many in the past.
There were good ones,bad ones,some real characters. Most of them I imagine are dead now or retired as a result of arrests. A few were murdered and to my surprise some were connected to some infamous Boston names.
I'm sure you can guess who I might be talking about. Anyway anybody got any stories about some of their dealings in the past? I figure these happened so long ago in my case it's just ancient history for me so no harm mentioning this stuff.
 

sharpsquare

sharpsquare

Joined
Nov 26, 2021
Messages
2,505
I've dealt with the same local bookie for 20+ years and still have an account with him today that I don't use much anymore besides football season. Even with the legal gambling here now in the last 2 years, he still has an okay loyal customer base that enjoys betting with him over someone they don't know and rather have the credit side of things.

But sadly his days like the others are def dwindling down now in his late 60s.
 

BigJay

BigJay

Joined
Oct 28, 2021
Messages
12,165
A few were murdered and to my surprise some were connected to some infamous Boston names.
 

Tanko

Tanko

Joined
Oct 27, 2021
Messages
42,497
I've dealt with the same local bookie for 20+ years and still have an account with him today that I don't use much anymore besides football season. Even with the legal gambling here now in the last 2 years, he still has an okay loyal customer base that enjoys betting with him over someone they don't know and rather have the credit side of things.

But sadly his days like the others are def dwindling down now in his late 60s.
They are definitely a dying breed (figuratively and literally). The local I used is still in business. The guy is 70+ years old. I think all of his clients are 60+ yo. No one young uses a local anymore. Why?
1. Online books to easy to use (especially with apps).
2. Locals typically offer more expensive lines than you can get elsewhere.
3. Sometime slow pay you, worse than an online book.

Why use a local?
1. They allow credit (w/ risks).
 

keithrichard

keithrichard

Joined
Feb 19, 2022
Messages
5,187
When I got my first computer and started playing at shops like WSEX,Pinnacle,and Olympic(the Greek) I never looked back.
With low vig, props, halftime betting etc. I was like a kid in a candy store.
Also Neteller and a few other payment methods allowed depositing and withdrawing usually same day or few days at most . Also not having to deal with total aholes or morons in person or on the phone was great. There were a few great guys to deal with but very few.
 
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