Clearly, I have offended a minority at an emotive level. For this I sincerely apologise. Yes, my response may come across as an over-simplification of facts, but I did that with good reason. Kindly indulge me as I make the following submission:
• Should horseracing in South Africa collapse, I believe that, betting companies like Hollywoodbets would survive as their business is not confined to horseracing. I don’t have the facts but I actually believe that sports-betting (codes outside of horseracing) and other options like lucky numbers and lotteries may currently generate greater revenue for these companies; or at the very least, well on its way to achieving this. Based on my personal observation the new generation prefer betting on sporting codes outside of horseracing.
• The South African Horseracing industry is a major employer in the country and is experiencing its most challenging period in the history of the industry. While the industry attempts to reinvent itself and introduce new innovations to ensure sustainability, it is imperative that the horseracing fraternity at large remain mindful of what drives this industry – the punter. Shaheen Shaw echoed this well when he said: “They are the lifeblood of the game…. No that’s not entirely correct – They are the game.” Simply; no punter, no horseracing industry – unemployment for thousands.
There are, clearly, undertones in Hollywoodbets response to Vedan’s article that suggest disdain towards the punter – anonymous, nameless, otherwise or another. The article lacked necessary diplomacy and decorum.
Disclaimer: My contribution to this thread is not intended for the myopic.
"without prejudice"
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