To enable people to lay down fun bets, you'll need a way to get across what they are betting on, and a way for them to choose. The example here, for use with Virtual Greyhound Racing, uses a picture book to offer deliberate choices, a dice to make random choices, and a set of rules.
You'll need to download the following greyhound picture links. On a PC, right click then "Save Target As..." each link:
Front page (108Kb) *
Dog 1 (38Kb)
Dog 2 (44Kb)
Dog 3 (32Kb)
Dog 4 (37Kb)
Dog 5 (63Kb)
Dog 6 (43Kb)
All 6 at once (108Kb)
Apart from the front page and instructions, all of the images will need to be re-sized before printing. I recommend scaling up to 25 x 18cm (10"x7"), remembering to print in landscape mode. I'd also recommend laminating and ring-binding the booklet to make it longer lasting.
* photo kindly relased to the public domain by Paul Duffett.
You can purchase switch adapted Dice from the One Switch shop. or adapt one yourself following the D.I.Y. guide.
You can use free on-line dice at Arcess.com that can be set to roll between 1 and 18. Use with a PC switch interface.
You could use a versatile number generator with YES/NO on your PC, or purchase an old BBC Micro set-up from the One Switch boot sale.
Probably the most important part, being the rules on how to involve the player. Follow this link for my example instructions.
I have a few physical systems for sale, consisting of a switch, dice, laminated booklet and bag - please e-mail if interested.
Coral Virtual Horse Racing. Down load their free software, and bet on races for real or just for fun.
Virtual Greyhound Racing. First you need to register free, then you can watch old races in 2D or 3D (click on RESULTS), or enter your own virtual Greyhound into new races.
Try these betting techniques.
How's this for obscure! Bet on one of six racing ducks, or even race one yourself if you can control three switches. (Xbox and Dreamcast - 'Shenmue II').
How about making your own races to bet on? Rubber ducks are available from Hawkins Bazaar. Please get in touch for more help, or to offer your ideas.
Text and images PUBLIC DOMAIN 2004 - www.OneSwitch.org.uk
www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk - Life after racing.