The bookies in Karnataka are all but smoked out of existence. A few have migrated to Pune and operating stalls licensed to some on course RWITC bookie and paying royalty...so believe it or not ...a benami for a bookie.. This can happen only in India.
Other bookies are operating clandestinely from their residences or office space (dens) in some poky part of the city. Skeleton staff could collect and pay for illegal bets. The whole business is rendered illegal and driven underground. Very severe raids from IT, ED and COD are planned once the it returns date passes and they will be smoked out of existence.
Regarding bank discard turned lady bookie agents and the like they will evaporate with the bookie faster than they appeared.
So much for the present Indian racing situation.

Illegal bookies were there even before Nov 8 2016. It appears their number is multiplied both inside and outside the race course.

O K. Because of these people there is certainly some loss to the BTC. The same people would have been forced to bet at tote, if the btc management had handled the issue with an iron hand.

But, they are doing their business. No body can straighten a dog's tail.

And the 2nd most important thing is, if regular bookies are allowed they will damage the club's revenue several 100 times! We have to take lesser evil.

Of course, good or bad, I prefer that there should be only 'tote' betting. And BTC & MyRC are the two centers that are bookie mukth on paper at least. I have absolutely no problem if some illegal bookies are having a field day at the club. It is bad if the club management is not aware of those people. It is worse if the management is knowing about them and still stay silent because of the kickbacks they receive. In any case, the revenue loss by these people is not as heavy as it used to be during the time when bookies were doing their business at 10% tax.

The bookies made a fortune during the 9 to 10 years they were allowed to take bets at 10%. And gave away that cash pile to Fire God after demonetisation.

If the btc says "no bookies", the punters have the option of compulsorily betting at the tote or staying away. And, if they insist on bookies only they have to travel to Madras or Hyderabad.

I have my own doubts whether the bookies are really as noble and charitable as is being made out by some of the pro-bookie-brigade. 28 races at BNG and 14 races at Mysore since July 1st (gst date). If we know the odds given by bookies at other centers on winners for these 42 races, we can say which betting option is more profitable to punters. Only thing, bookies odds should be furnished on all 42 races. Sample odds on 8 or 10 horses, should not be selectively taken and be compared with the btc payouts.

After GST, I feel there may be some logic among the pro bookie team. The club deduction that was 12.5% has been jacked up to to 26% for win, 28% for place and 30% for shp. Certainly btc tote punters are taking less and less than what they were getting till a fortnight ago. But, to come to a clearcut conclusion, whether tote is better or bookies are better, we should have the data of all these 42 races. People are telling that by dealing with bookies they will get definitely higher returns. But, such sweeping generalisation can not be made by giving examples of 3 or 4 races.

@ Hi guys,

Some of the old bookies of the BTC migrated to PUNE and they have already invested there and they cannot end their business and come back all of a sudden. They requested for some more time. About 4 or 5 bookies are still available here but BTC wants to appoint at least 10-12 bookies. BTC wanted to invite application from bookies once again last week, sadly no new bookies are interested. After all they all are sheltered inside the VIP Pavilian and doing half tax business. Some of them are employed clerks for transacting with the punters. Even a bookie has employed a lady staff and she is carrying the entire cash of the bookie.

It looks like certain section of the owners, trainers, committee members are aiding these bookies to nurture their business just behind the ears of the Stewards Room. Indeed very sad to see such state of affairs in BTC.

NO NEED ANY BOOKIES. THE MAY SPOIL OUR PUNTERS FURTHER MORE WHO FOLLOW FAVOURITES.

While punters happy with half price divdends why you need bookmakers

@Mystical
Why we need bookies when we have computerized machines which offers a variety of pools. Secondly 28% GST deductions which is more important than having bookies by the way Even bookies will charge 30% of the dividend so their is no point in going to a bookie.

Mad Max you know better with inside information. So please update.

days of the bookies are over why cant u call accept it for the best of the game.take it as sport not just crib like beggers for prices.show some class.