Betting on fun: Inside the VRC Punter’s Club

What is the Punters Club? 

The concept is simple: punters pool their money into a collective kitty, which is then managed by seasoned betting experts. The VRC adds $500 to kickstart the pot on each race day. Participants pay just $10 to join, giving them a stake in the day’s bets. The aim? To turn a profit while following along with expert insights, race predictions, and attempts at landing big payouts, like the coveted quaddie. 

Throughout the day, bets are placed not only on Flemington races but across other tracks as well. Updates on betting choices and results are shared live, and participants can track the action on chalkboards located in The Atrium and Saintly Place. The outcome of each bet builds toward the final total, which is divided among the members based on their share. 

How it works 

• Registration: Joining is straightforward – just register with $10 cash before Race 4 on a 10-race card or Race 3 on an 8- or 9-race card. 

• Your stake: Each member receives an entry card, which must be kept to collect any potential winnings. The initial kitty is made up of the $500 from the VRC plus the contributions from all entrants. 

• Betting strategy: Expert punters place bets throughout the race day at their discretion. Wins can be reinvested for further bets, amplifying the potential payoff. However, the outcome remains unpredictable – sometimes you win big, and sometimes the luck doesn’t fall your way. 

• • Collection: After the final race, winnings can be claimed from registration desks by presenting and signing the entry card. Unclaimed winnings for VRC Members go onto their cash-on-card balance, while public patrons must collect on the day or forfeit the amount to a VRC charity partner. 

For more information visit VRC Punters Club.

Fast five with Marc Ohlmus, VRC Punters Club Host 

How do you balance risk and reward when placing bets for the Punters Club? 

By keeping the outlay small and taking a few calculated risks. For example, last weekend, we had a good day of wins until the last race, where we backed a 30-to-1 shot. In the end, we did a bit better than breaking even, which was great for the whole day. It's about striking a balance – you don’t want to risk too much, but at the same time, when you back a big-priced runner, everyone gets excited when those long shots come through. 

What’s the biggest win the Punters Club has celebrated, and what made it memorable? 

We’ve had a couple of triple-figure payouts, which were fantastic! One I’ll always remember was on a summer race day a few years ago. We were involved in a multi, and we got a decent payout, but then we realised TAB had a promotion on – five time multiplier! It was such a fun day, and everyone who was involved had a great time celebrating. We also had a $120 payout on the last day of the Carnival in 2023, which was another highlight after a day of backing losers. It felt like a great way to end the day on a high. The best part is always the camaraderie with everyone who’s involved – there’s so much energy in the air. That’s what makes it memorable. 

Can you share a time when something unexpected came through and surprised everyone? 

Newmarket Day 2024 sticks out when we backed Cylinder at 10-1. I was so confident that I had it into a multi in the next race, which was Autumn Angel. It was the start of the day and we were miles in front. Cylinder ended up retiring and Autumn Angel went on to win a Group 1. It was very memorable. 

What do you enjoy most about hosting the Punters Club? 

What I love most is the engagement with the audience. I work in a studio a lot, and it can sometimes feel like you’re talking to yourself. But when I’m hosting the Punters Club, I get to interact with the crowd, and it makes it so much more fun. The members, the regulars, and the public are all so engaged – it’s great. We chat, we joke around, and it’s just a fun environment. I love that everyone gets involved, and there’s a real buzz in the air. It’s not just about the racing; it’s about sharing that experience with others. 

What advice would you give to someone new to the Punters Club experience? 

If you’re not willing to lose $10, then don’t get involved! We try to give people a bit of a ride for the day, and I always say follow my picks, but feel free to back other horses if you want more chances of cheering home a winner. We’re here to help, but ultimately, it’s about having fun. It’s not about big money, it’s about enjoying the experience and the day out.