[Seattle Slew]

All this depressing news this week but at least we can fund our OTB phone accounts legally and bet some horse races!!

Our lawmakers don't care if I lose my life savings at the track or an Indian casino.

[bigboydan]

I didn't bet the ponies offshore though slew. Call me crazy, but I liked going to the track to place my bets.

[MBENZ]

I agree Dan,I've got a simulcast track 5 mins.away.Why have a cap on what you can win?

[Seattle Slew]

Not being near a track, the phone wagering option, with races on TVG, works great for me. I remember when they started it in the mid-1990s, I was like "this is legal?"

I figured it would be taken away, although service not available in many states. You'd think with the horse racing provision in the legislation, we'd get a universal set of laws for states on horse racing.

[MBENZ]

Not being near a track, the phone wagering option, with races on TVG, works great for me. I remember when they started it in the mid-1990s, I was like "this is legal?"

I figured it would be taken away, although service not available in many states. You'd think with the horse racing provision in the legislation, we'd get a universal set of laws for states on horse racing.

Slew does TVG give track odds on payouts?Looked into this once and got bored with the fine print.Also any expierience with HRTV?They are the only ones that show my local tracks which is a better option for me.Thanks.

[thezbar]

Both tgv and xpressbet offer full track odds.One drawback is if you hit over the 600/1 IRS limit your stuck with the tax responsible for the wager.At the track I was always able to find someone who would sign for me and I would pay 10%. I've used both companies fairly seriously for the past year.TVG charges for the track feeds and 25 cents per wager however if you wager a good amount they refund the money at the end of the month.I have a separate checking account for this and I can deposit and withdraw via computer.Its great.Xpress bet is good also.The streaming track feeds are free and the picture quality is superior to that of tvg's.I can deposit via computer but have to ask for a check when I choose to withdraw.There is an off track center five miles from where I live however I really don't care for it because its so poorly operated.Plus when you add the extra costs the computer route is cheaper.If you enjoy watching and playing the ponies I give both companies a thumbs up

[MBENZ]

Both tgv and xpressbet offer full track odds.One drawback is if you hit over the 600/1 IRS limit your stuck with the tax responsible for the wager.At the track I was always able to find someone who would sign for me and I would pay 10%. I've used both companies fairly seriously for the past year.TVG charges for the track feeds and 25 cents per wager however if you wager a good amount they refund the money at the end of the month.I have a separate checking account for this and I can deposit and withdraw via computer.Its great.Xpress bet is good also.The streaming track feeds are free and the picture quality is superior to that of tvg's.I can deposit via computer but have to ask for a check when I choose to withdraw.There is an off track center five miles from where I live however I really don't care for it because its so poorly operated.Plus when you add the extra costs the computer route is cheaper.If you enjoy watching and playing the ponies I give both companies a thumbs up

Thanks for the info,I'll give tvg a whack.

[Seattle Slew]

Before you do, I'd recommend checking what OTB phone services are available in your state. They don't charge anything to use the service, although there is no online betting, just a free phone call. Plus, the phone services uusally take bets on every possible track. I think TVG is limited to ones they carry.

TVG charges a $19.95 monthly fee (or .25 per bet if you don't reach $20). They refund the fee if you bet $2,500 a month in wagers. I wouldn't reach that, except in August, so no way would I pay $20 a month to place bets with TVG when I can do it for free with OTB phone services (which are legal in the US).

One of the best services I've used is Connecticut OTB. It's available if you live in the following states. CT, FL, KY, LA, MA, MT, NH, OH, VT, WA, WY

They also offer a 25% sign-up bonus. Link below. I also used Penn National and NY OTB, but they had small fees/takeout issues. CT OTB has no hidden charges.

http://www.ctotb.com/open.asp

I also read someplace NYRA is close to launching an online betting service to go along with their phone service. Anyone hear anything about that?

Thanks for the info,I'll give tvg a whack.

[thezbar]

I agree with Slew,it pays to see what is available in your state.Here in California I'm limited to three choices TVG,Xpressbet and Youbet.If you go with tvg be sure to use the bet 50 get 50 promo that is frequently advertised on air and in the form