It took David Schwarz another three years to kick his gambling addiction after the horror story below, and doubtless there were many other similar nightmares. But at least he finally did kick it, and more power to him.
VICTORIA Derby day 2002 could have been a defining moment in the life of former AFL star David Schwarz. Unfortunately it wasn't.
Schwarz had just retired after a remarkable 173-game career for Melbourne and was intent on becoming a professional punter.
While many footballers consider Derby day a social occasion, Schwarz was very much caught up in the gambling side of the afternoon.
As he stood in the betting ring and watched Choisir race away to win the L'Oreal Plate he was feeling very content. He had just had $25,000 each-way on Choisir at 5-1.
But his joy was shortlived. Protests by the third and second placegetters were upheld, leaving Schwarz $50,000 out of pocket because, as there were only seven starters, there was no dividend for third place.
I've eschewed gambling ever since losing all of my footy cards in the great flip 'em-closest-to-the-wall disaster of 1969.
Posted by: Lad Litter | 06/02/2009 at 06:14 PM
I'm a great hoarder, but somehow I've lost all my footy cards.
Posted by: Tony | 06/03/2009 at 02:07 PM
Theres a word for people who make money from horseracing: Bookies.
Posted by: Yobbo | 06/03/2009 at 03:54 PM
Story going around about some bloke who had 50 gorillas on Geelong being infront by 22+ at half time against the Eagles on the weekend. Was smiling after the Cats burst out of the gates, but in what had to be an agonizing second quarter, his dreams, let alone his 50 large walzted out the back door as Geelong played millionaire footy.
However my sympathy stops there; whoever has enough coin to bet that amount on a game like Geelong v West Coast can obviously afford to lose it.
Posted by: Adsy | 06/08/2009 at 09:21 PM
Ads: Wonder if there is a bit of Chinese whispers in that. (Or, maybe there's a new betting trend.) I know for sure that a bloke had a lash at Luxbet on Friday. His bet was 60 grand at $1.91 on the Bulldogs to be more than 13 points ahead at half time.
The punter would have been laughing when the Bulldogs went about 27 points up with 9 minutes to go in the half, but the Tiggers kicked the next five to go in a few points up.
Then the Bullies proceeded to rub it in by kicking the next 45 goals.
Posted by: Tony | 06/09/2009 at 08:33 AM
And I would have gotten away with it, if it wasn't for you meddling kids.
Posted by: John Q. Puntah | 06/09/2009 at 11:16 AM
This one was straight from the mouth of the Luxbet guy on the West Coast v Geelong game on SEN, early in the first quarter so sounds legit.
Probably the same bloke? Not the greatest weekend on the punt if it was.
Posted by: Adsy | 06/09/2009 at 05:28 PM