It's a tough time to be a sports player, a sports writer or a sports fan. But have you thought what it must be like to be a bookie? They will be hoping even more than the rest of us that the sporting action across the globe can soon recommence.
Things were brought into particularly sharp focus on April 4 in that regard, with the void on our TV screens that should have been the Grand National. It was the first peacetime cancellation of the most famous horse race in the UK calendar in its 181-year history. Would Tiger Roll have made it three in a row? We can only wonder and hope that he will still be at peak fitness next year to give it a try.
Of course, the National is just one of hundreds of race meetings that have been cancelled or postponed. Yet people are resilient creatures and have been coming up with some imaginative alternatives while the horses are taking some time off like the rest of us.
Virtual Reality
The Virtual Grand National has actually been run in parallel to the real event for the past couple of years. But this year, instead of a slightly geeky sideshow, it became the main event. It was even televised on national TV in the slot reserved for the actual race.
The Virtual National was won by 16-1 shot Potters Corner, with Tiger Roll coming in fourth. Punters were able to bet on the race, and all profits are to be donated to NHS charities. It seems certain that given the popularity of the event, other virtual races will follow.
Racetrack Riches
An interesting feature of the internet betting phenomenon has been for bookies to become more closely associated with online casino games. If you've been in two minds about giving the online slots a try, Racetrack Riches Megaboard could be the game that persuades you.
Developer iSoftBet is usually best-known for its Irish-themed games involving leprechauns and four-leaf clovers. This one is a little different, set in the middle of a race track and featuring racing-themed bonuses and frequent free spins. An RTP of just under 96 percent and high volatility combine to mean that when the wins come, they can be even more lucrative than an outside shot in the National!
Totopoly
Before the internet came along, gaming meant sitting around the dining table playing Monopoly or Cluedo. There are still some great racing games around, including the ever-popular Night at the Races. A hidden gem in this area, however, is an old classic called Totopoly.
Originally launched in 1938, it has been through a succession of refreshes over the years. It's often been described as "Monopoly with horses" but the training and racing aspects actually mean there is far more complexity to it. There hasn't been a new version released since the early '80s, but used versions of the game are readily available from all the usual online sources.
