This paper analyses aggregate betting behaviour as revealed by data embodied in the betting slips of off-course betting shop punters. A large sample (9000) slips were collected from three Birmingham shops belonging to a large multiple bookmaking company. Data from the slips were processed by computer. The discussion reveals some of the behavioural and preferential patterns of betting shop punters as a basis for evaluating a number of assumptions derived from the sociology of gambling which have escaped careful evidential scrutiny. The discussion concludes that, on the whole, punters are indeed engaged in a primarily recreational activity whose economic consequences are very unlikely to be life-changing.

This paper describes the work of a widely seen but little known occupation, the racing lad. It relates some changes which have taken place in the organisation of work and the subjective responses to these of a significant minority of the occupation in the locality studied. Such changes as are apparent are accounted for in terms of developments in the local labour market which have served to erode the traditionalist framework within which work has been organised. At root, the core activity is seen to depend on some particularly intangible qualities which working class youngsters have typically brought to this form of work.

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