I've always had tickets in advance before and would do so again this year - Tatts and Club are still on sale now.
However on previous years people have joined our group after tickets had sold out, and bought from touts without an issue. And yes they were operating the 'electronic ticketing...
Still hoping to go this - will buy Tatts or Club. Really, really want to see the Kauto v Denman re-match.
I'd not be too bothered about getting tickets before the day. Experience has taught me that Cheltenham has more touts than I've seen anywhere at all and you'll easily be able to pick up...