As racegoers are set for their first flutter of the day, on-course bookies accept a changing tide.

Anthony Doughty has been an on-course bookie for 50 years, most of his clients are older and place their bets over the phone.

Bookmaker Anthony Doughty at Caulfield on Saturday.

Bookmaker Anthony Doughty at Caulfield on Saturday.Credit: Nicole Precel

“Go back 40 years, the bookmakers had 95 per cent of the market. No casino. No poker machines. If you want a bet you have to have a bookie,” he said

But now, they have less than 1 per cent.

“It’s like the titanic, everyone is dress up, the food is alright, but as an on course bookie – I know what’s going to happen.”

He said the gambling market had changed, with the younger generation preferring tech.

“Today in broad terms the football has finished, the suns out. Those are the main two things for us,” he said.

“We have good horses – standard of horses this time is better, but that doesn’t mean a thing to a lot of the people.”

But he believed racing would always have on-course bookies.

“Competition is good for any industry,” he said.

Mary Mulcahy flies down from the Gold Coast to work with bookies every spring racing carnival.

“The suns out, the dollars are out,” she said.

“Caulfield is steeped in tradition, which is good. Still standing. It’s good to have a bit of a mix. There are other courses who people feel are their favourites.

“The Caulfield is steeped in history, it’s good it’s not overshadowed by what’s happening in Sydney today so hopefully we get a piece of the pie.“

She said they didn’t get 18-25 year olds, their clientele were older.

“I’m sure there’s an element of bookmakers – who put their hands in the air and say I can’t collect any more,” she said