THE TOTALISATOR.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 136, 11 June 1927, Page 14

THE TOTALISATOR.

AN ENGLISH VIEW. "In no circumstances can the totalisator take the place of the bookmaker," said Mr. Fred Howard, managing director of the Stadium Club, London, recently.

He was speaking of its practicability on the racecourse. A totalisator has been installed for some years at the Stadium Club under his management, and he claims to speak from experience as being the first in Europe to introduce the Australian electric machine.

"I do not think that the totalisator will come into general use for a number of years, if ever," he said. "First of all, Britishers like to use their brains, and, if it is possible, to snatch a point or two during the betting. They have not been educated to the machine, which places everyone on the same level.

"Very often there are races when the totalisator would be absolutely useless, as, for example, when there is a hot favourite, or only one or two runner*.

"The majority will not speculate until they are given a lead, which often occurs so late that few would be in a position to use the 'tote.' Races are often so late that it would be impossible for the majority to recover their winnings before the next race. Like most electrical machines, totalisators occasionally go wrong. This wotdd be very awkward if it occurred at a big race."

The only points in favour of the totalisator, Mr. Howard summed up as follows: "'Generally better prices would be paid. You ca« back a horse for a place only. You can back a horse each way with six runners, and for the first and 6';cond with five runners.

"If the totalisator were installed the present system of racing would have to be materially altered. It would mean fewer races with longer intervals.

"I am willing to bet £100 with anybody at the Victoria Club that the Government do not sanction and put into operation the totalisator this year or next year," said Mr. James Sutters, the well-known commission agent.

"Personally, I have reached a state of niind when I don't much care if we have the totalisator system or not. Seeing that we have the Betting Tax things could not be worse from the commission agent's point of view."