During slower periods, when there are few bettors at the windows and plenty of open lanes, bettors have a good opportunity to ask the ticket writers questions about how to lay exotic bets and other wagers. If the ticket writer is friendly and not busy, they generally will not mind sharing some betting knowledge, especially if it means smarter wagering and more business coming in afterward. If another bettor steps in line behind you, it is time to wrap up the conversation and move along so the next person can lay a bet. Getting to know more skilled and experienced handicappers can also offer valuable insight into betting methods and help advance the knowledge and skills of beginning bettors.