Could all you sportsbettors please address the following: 1. Is gambling in TJ legit and the same as in a Vegas sportsbook in terms of vig, etc. 2. Are winning plays (no matter how large) paid promptly and without a hassle? 3. If a very large bet (i.e. 1 or 2 thousand) is made and won (or just made) are you a marked man for the locals who will resent you and/or spread the word about you as as a "monied" person? All advice appreciated. JJ

the juice is the same--however their is a small tax on winning bets. haven't played their recently, but the tax was $1.50 on each $100 winnings. ie bet 110 to win 100--in vegas collect 210--bet 110 to win 100-in tj collect 208.50. i don't know if the tax is the same now or if it is the same on horses. i would 3,000 one evening and got my dough prompt. i do have a friend who was playing big dough and was robbed out his safety deposit box and pueblo amigo. when he reported the theft--he went to jail for false report(or something like that). you can open a phone account their and call(illegal, but with no problem) and check lines, wager, check balances etc. i did this several years ago before i was hip to the caribean--never had any problems getting my money or mistakes made on my wagers. they tape record your bets and it's done very professionally--i do remember lots of busy signals before nfl games and they wouldn't take your wager after the game started.

Word of caution: Book personel are generally "professional" but normal rules still apply which is to say never give a money handler in a border town the benefit of the doubt. ALWAYS know the exact value of your winning ticket before cashing. Write it down. Make sure you get it. The little screen on the machine does not tell the truth if the teller punched in a bet as you walked up, among other scams. There is always a bad apple or brave fucker waiting for an opportunity. Just don't give it. These things happened to me 16 years ago (every where) as well as 2 weeks ago (at the taxi-stand book)

Word of caution: Book personel are generally "professional" but normal rules still apply which is to say never give a money handler in a border town the benefit of the doubt. ALWAYS know the exact value of your winning ticket before cashing. Write it down. Make sure you get it. The little screen on the machine does not tell the truth if the teller punched in a bet as you walked up, among other scams. There is always a bad apple or brave fucker waiting for an opportunity. Just don't give it. These things happened to me 16 years ago (every where) as well as 2 weeks ago (at the taxi-stand book)

Too much Coors.