Totalizator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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totalizator

[toสŠtษ™lษชหˆzeษชtษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

betting system

A totalizator, often referred to as a tote, is a type of betting system used primarily in horse racing and other types of betting. It collects all bets placed on a particular event, calculates the payout based on the amount wagered, and distributes winnings among the bettors after taking a percentage for the house. This system operates on the principle of mutual betting, meaning that all bets are pooled together. The odds fluctuate based on the betting patterns of participants, making it a dynamic system for gamblers.

Synonyms

betting pool, pari-mutuel, tote.

Examples of usage

  • I placed my bet at the totalizator before the race began.
  • The totalizator calculates the winners' share based on the total amount bet.
  • Many racetracks use a totalizator for fair payouts.
  • He was excited to see the totalizator results after the horse race.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Gambling Culture

  • Totalizators revolutionized betting by providing a quicker way for punters to place bets and see odds.
  • In several countries, totalizators are a common sight at racetracks and betting shops, often accompanied by electronic displays showing current odds.
  • The totalizator system created a sense of community, bringing bettors together to share in potential wins or losses.

Technology

  • Modern totalizators often utilize complex algorithms to calculate odds and payouts automatically.
  • These machines can take thousands of bets in real-time, showcasing the advancements in computerized betting technology.
  • Some totalizators are integrated with online betting platforms, allowing users to place bets from the comfort of their homes.

Legal Framework

  • The use and regulation of totalizators vary by country, with some places having strict laws governing their operation.
  • In many jurisdictions, licenses are required to operate a totalizator, ensuring that it meets financial and ethical standards.
  • Responsible gambling initiatives often accompany totalizator setups, aiming to prevent gambling addiction and protect bettors.

Sports and Entertainment

  • Totalizators are popular in horse racing, but they are also used for sports betting, dog racing, and even some lottery systems.
  • The popularity of totalizators has increased alongside the rise of sports betting, especially with the advent of online wagering.
  • Events like the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot rely heavily on totalizators for managing betting activities.

Origin of 'totalizator'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'totalizator' comes from the word 'total,' meaning the sum or the whole amount.
  • It originated from the Hungarian word 'totalizรกtor,' which was used in gambling and betting contexts in the early 20th century.
  • First used in the 1910s, the concept was developed to streamline betting at racetracks, allowing for real-time tracking.

The term 'totalizator' originated from the French word 'totalisateur', which means 'to total' or 'to sum up'. It was first used in the context of betting in the early 20th century, particularly in association with horse racing. The concept of pooling bets to determine payouts has been a part of betting culture for centuries, but the modern totalizator system was refined with advances in technology in the 1960s and 1970s. This allowed for more sophisticated tracking of bets and payouts. The totalizator system gained popularity in various countries and became a standard for legal betting operations, especially in racetracks. Over time, the term has been adopted in different languages, maintaining its core idea of a system where bets are pooled together, with the payouts determined by the collective outcome.