BETTING LAWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 135, 10 June 1933, Page 9

BETTING LAWS.

BRITISH PROPOSALS.

Recommendations By Royal

Commission

VIEWS ON STATE LOTTERIES,

(British Official Wirclcts.)

RUGBY, June 9.

j The final report of tho Royal Commission on Lotteries and Betting has been issued. It states that the main principle followed was that although gambling among private individuals should not be interfered with, organised gambling facilities should be prohibited or restricted where they lead to serious social consequences. The commission recommends that the existing legislation as to lotteries, gaming and betting should be amended and consolidated. No change is recommended in tho existing position at civil law whereby wagering transactions arc not cnfoi'ciblc in the. Courts. Oflico totalisator betting should be prohibited, says the commission. All bookmakers, on or off racecourses, should bo registered and no betting should be allowed with persons under the age of 17. Tho institution of large lotteries in Britain is'not recommended, as this is considered undesirable in itself and unlikely to assist materially in suppressing the sale of tickets in lotteries promoted elsewhere. If the institution of a large lottery were permitted the least objectionable form would be a State lottery for the benefit of the Exchequer. The commission's other recommendations include legislation to deal with postal and cash betting; a restriction of bookmakers' advertisements; prohibition of tipsters' businesses; a restriction of betting to 10 days a month or 100 days a year; all racecourses and dog-tracks to be limited to two clays'racing a week, and the prohibition of the publication of results of sweepstakes or information which would encourage participation in them. Also the prohibition is recommended of newspaper competitions in sporting events unless tho prizes are limited to £100.