Betting Over the
CENTURIES
Betting windows, 1941.
I
WRITTEN BY WILLIAM G. GOTIMER, JR. | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SARATOGA HISTORY MUSEUM (UNLESS NOTED)
T WASN’T ALWAYS EASY TO BET ON THE HORSES Betting on horses has been a favorite pastime for centuries in many places around the world. Despite changes in almost every facet of life - betting on horses has remained largely the same. Determining the order of finish in a race of spirited horses has always been the pursuit. What has changed over the years is the mechanics of placing a wager.
22 | EQUICUREAN | JULY/AUGUST 2021
Younger race fans have grown up with numerous ways to place a bet; multi-bet teller windows, self-service machines, telephone bets, internet wagering, wagering apps on their phones – all modern methods. Most people are even aware of the old-fashioned bookmaker models highlighted in shows such as Peaky Blinders where bets are transmitted through a series of calls, hand signals and chalk boards (hence the term “chalk” for a race favorite). SARATOGATODAYNEWSPAPER.COM
