Amongst the various firsts that Pune can boast of in the field of horse- racing, is that Off- Course Betting Centres (OCBCs) in 1993. These centres do flourishing business that go a long way in lending financial support to the game and of course the RWITC. The four OCBCs in Pune today are - Hotel Sainath in Camp, at Amar Classics in Hadapsar, Hotel Raj in Kothrud and Portico in Deccan, the last being the pioneer in the field.In 1993, Prem Tiwari of Portico decided to combine his business interests as a restaurateur and a horse-owner with the introduction of the first OCBC at his restaurant. Today, the place is visited, according to Tiwari, by about 300 people daily with the turnout being even higher on important race days. At Amar's in Hadapsar, the crowds are considerably less. Both Raj and Sainath again see a sea of avid punters thronging their centres.More crowds automatically translates into more business. According to Prem Tiwari at Portico they are usually around Rs 40,000 to 50,000 with the peak reached this season with Rs 88,000 on the day of the Independence Day Cup Trophy on August 15. The popularity lies in the convenience of location they offer to those keen on betting. The crowds comprises middle and upper middle-class or professionals in a hurry more tuned to the gambling aspect of the sport rather than a leisurely outing.Betting at the OCBCs are governed by the same rules as on the Race Course, with the owners, like the club authorities, given the right of reserving admission. The centres function according to a lease of agreement drawn up for 11 months. They are further managed by the RWITC personnel who reach there one hour before the races and open shop and stay on till the last race of the day is over. Authorities are further hopeful of the turnout doubling once televised races, on the agenda for sometime now and are likely to begin before the Pune season ends, makes its debut.
