That’s the type of person that I want to do business with.” That’s exactly what Lord Hesketh and Towcester did in establishing greyhound racing there with the intent of making it the best dog track world in the world. “It was disappointing when Sky Sports decided not to pick up a deal to broadcast it this year but we all have to move forward from that.
One of the elements that he is putting back into is the Star Sports Greyhound Derby at Towcester. When I retire I’d like it to be said ‘he was a good layer’.” I’m genuine, open about the fact that I do take on punters and want to win their money. “Everyone needs to respect each other and also that you only get out of it what you put in. Keith says it’s important to remember that nobody is bigger than the game. It’s about having your own style and your own ‘way’ that allows you to engage with the betting community.” You learn from people like him but of course I’m my own man - more extrovert than Tony. “His composure on the joint earned him the respect of both customers and fellow layers. He always admired the late Tony Morris, a leading independent who used to stand at key London greyhound tracks. “But it’s a people business and about the service and image that you project. “These grab the jobs of hard working, experienced people in the game,” he says. Keith explains his dislike of the algorithms that are taking over so many systems in different business, especially bookmaking. That’s because we make a decision, it’s not some computer.” “That’s why punters today are turning to independent bookmakers more than ever. However, Keith also believes that there is a lack of good firms out there who want to be layers and give the punter a real run. I think they are necessary and serve a much-needed space on behalf of punters, but I would ask would they personally lay the style of business that they want to get on themselves?!” How does he react to this? “I call the HBF out sometimes yet I’m actually a bigger fan of them than they know. The Horserace Bettors Forum is frequently critical of bookmakers. You also must respect the punter who wishes to have a break from betting, or self-excludes.” What does ‘responsible gambling’ mean to Keith? He replies: “Not accepting bets from people who may be money-laundering. He is the perfect example of someone who has both worked in the business but also enjoyed a bet.” But whoever is making the decision should have been both a punter and bookmaker, understanding both sides, that’s why Star Sports argues that Nick Rust of the BHA should be given more power and make decisions on behalf of the betting industry. “The idea is to only knock punters back who prove to be repeat offenders in severe circumstances, what we want is to get the reputation of being a ‘good bookie’.Īsked where the line should be drawn between offering betting responsibly and wrapping punters up in cotton wool he muses, then says: “That’s a good question and I don’t know immediately. Keith says the message he tries to impart to his team is to ‘be a good layer and be a good payer’. But other than that, we’re delighted in the take-up, it’s been good - and genuine punters too.” You could be left with a situation where they expect to be refunded if they lose but hope to be paid if they win. One unexpected problem has been punters who register, then self-exclude, but re-register using slightly different details. “It’s gone well, better than anticipated. He is pleased with the way his new website has settled down. Everyone has to be progressive and show the way before you get your bottom smacked.” He argues that firms “were silly that they didn’t take the lead over social responsibility and the machines” but suggests “it would be helpful if IBAS was now to do that for the betting industry to ensure that betting disputes are dealt with openly, fairly and explained, ideally on video. There’s a big difference between a proper palp and a price shortening.” He’s never had a betting dispute himself as a punter “other than my firm finding another bookmaker trying not to honour a price that they’ve laid. punters would slip late ‘winning’ bets into my tuck box! You always have to be alert.” “There were betting disputes even at the age of 13.
At 25 he was standing at Walthamstow dogs and well before then had been the school bookie! BEN KEITH, the owner of Star Sports, is 38 years old.
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