Posted 16 months ago
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The recent undercover investigation into mistreatment of retired racehorses has sent seismic shockwaves through the thoroughbred racing world. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who was not shocked to the core by the incredibly disturbing images of these majestic creatures being destroyed in the most miserable and cruel fashion. All of this comes hard on the heels of a spate of high-profile equine deaths at the Race That Stops The Nation in the past few years. Who can forget the tragic images of The Cliffsofmoher and Verema being euthanised on-track, or the heartbreak of Red Cadeaux, Araldo and Admire Ratki, all of whom perished or were destroyed after the smiling winners had grabbed their silverware and moment in the limelight? These high profile cases are just a few of the 120 horses that lose their lives each year on Australian racetracks, on average. With all this going on in the background this spring racing carnival, it’s fair to say that the industry is in panic mode.
Despite this, hundreds of thousands of Aussies will pour into racetracks around the country this spring in search of big thrills, big fun and a big win on the punt. For better or for worse, Spring Racing is a venerable Australian tradition, a significant money-spinner for the economy and a chance for many to dress up and let their hair down.
However, with all the grave concerns surrounding animal welfare, perhaps it’s worth adding some consideration for the human cost into the equation. In a previous blog post, we took an in-depth look at the true financial cost of gambling in Australia. Furthermore, other social ills such as domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, property crimes and various others tend to trend northwards in line with major sporting events such as the Melbourne Cup.
Not that we’re trying to be party poopers: far from it! We’re all about people enjoying themselves. That’s why we’ve come up with some simple tips to help you maximise your enjoyment of Spring Racing safely, securely and with your bank balance intact:
Gamble Responsibly
The only guaranteed safe way to gamble is not to gamble at all. You will be surprised at how much fun you can have without a flutter. In fact, you may even save yourself the stress and anguish that hits you right where it hurts if and when you end up losing more than you planned for.
If you can’t bear to face the season without a bit of a fling, there are numerous ways to experience the thrills without the spills. Here are a couple of suggestions:
Make a Sweep
Stay away from the tote and organise a sweep with family and friends. Keep contribution amounts to a level at which everyone is comfortable. You’ll still get the dopamine thrill and cash windfall if you pick a winner, without putting next month’s rent money on the line.
Buddy Up
Gamble with a mate, or in a group. Before hitting the track or the tote, make sure that you all commit to a realistic amount that you’re willing to spend and then make sure each other stick to that amount. It’s always better to have an objective voice in your ear when the adrenaline starts pumping.
Cash Up
Access to additional funds can be a temptation too hard to resist, so decide how much you’re willing and able to risk and put that amount of cash into your pocket. Delete your online betting apps, leave your credit cards at home, lock up your phone – do whatever you need to do to ensure that you don’t dip into the pot for more.
Secure Your Winnings
Many of us have experienced that lure of the early win that lulls us into a false sense of security, only to see us lose our shirts a short while later. If you do have a win, immediately set aside your original budget and play-on with the winnings. That way, even if the wheel of fortune does a 180, you’ll still end up breaking even at worst.
Party Without the Cost
While gambling can cost you big time, you can drop a bundle without having a flutter. The great thing about this time of year is that it brings people together to bask in the warming weather and enjoyable times. If you’re entertaining this spring, you can easily burn through hundreds without even trying. On the other hand, if you’re smart about it, you can have all the fun with only a fraction of the cost:
Have a potluck Cup party. Food can be one of the most significant expenses, so spreading the gastronomical love can reduce the burden dramatically. Sampling each other’s signature dishes can add a delectable twist to the celebrations.
Alcohol is another budget buster. While the temptation is strong to cater for everyone’s needs, you can turn that on its head by nominating a signature bevvie for your soiree. Drinks such as punch or sangria can be brewed together is large quantities at relatively low cost, rather than forking out for multiple varieties of wine, beer and spirits, much of which may go undrunk.
Enlist help whenever it’s offered. If your friends or family offer to bring anything extra for the do, rather than responding with the usual, “Nah mate, we’re right”, set your ego aside and graciously accept. Most people will happily pitch in where they can, whittling down the cost for the host one item at a time.
Clobber Your Clobber
Few things draw more attention than the spectacular frocks and threads on show both on and off the track. We all want to look our best, but forking out for new clothes is a natural impulse that can set you back royally. Let’s face it, nobody will notice if you wear the same dress you rocked three years ago. Alternatively, borrow or swap items with a similarly sized friend to change up your look. If you just can’t face the world without something new, scour the local retro stores for something second hand and a third of the price.
Kicking On
If you’re still got plenty of petrol in the tank when the festivities are over, the party vibe and liquid lubrication can suck you in to spontaneously kicking on to a club, the pub or elsewhere. Before you know it, you can rapidly drop hundreds without breaking a sweat. Plan a stage two contingency in advance that won’t put a thoroughbred sized hole in your bank balance. Spring is a time of festivals, concerts and outdoor events, so check out anything that might be going on for little or no cost. Alternatively, take the party back to your place. No cover charge or drinks at bar prices there!
Whatever your thoughts on racing, we’ve reached the time of year when the chill of winter is thawing, and we’re ready to turn the thermostat up on our social lives. Whether you’re at the races, at home or on the town, some simple planning and smart strategies can ensure that you don’t end up in the loser’s circle this Spring Racing Carnival. If you still find yourself a little short, Speckle has your back with affordable, fast, small loans at a fraction of the cost of dangerous payday lenders. Speckle is firmly committed to helping people throughout Australia take control of their finances and reduce the money stresses in their life. Whether you’re in a monetary crisis, or just need a bit of a helping hand to tide you over, contact Speckle today to see if our safe, low-cost loan is right for you.