NEED FOR REFORMS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 200, 24 August 1945, Page 9

NEED FOR REFORMS

GAMING LEGISLATION The need for amendment of the Gaming Legislation to permit off-the-course betting and the publication of dividends were among the reforms suggested by the president, Captain H. Dent, at the annual meeting of the Ohinemuri Jockey Club. "I feel it is about time that some of us who are interested in racing should express an opinion regarding the offcourse betting facilities which should be provided in New Zealand. I have always been of the opinion that whether one is in favour of off-the-course betting or not that it cannot possibly be controlled unless the Government faces up to the question immediately and enacts legislation which will nlace it within the law," said Captain Dent. Worthy of Consideration "The question of whether bookmakers should be licensed or not is worthy of serious consideration; the other alternative would be to open betting shops in each town un,der proper control. To allow the' system that operates in this country to continue is just pure humbug, for there is not a town or village where bookmaking is not carried on with impunity. Let it be understood that I do not for one moment blame the bookmakers. I blame the system that permits them to operate without a license. The public demand betting facilities and I say these facilities should be provided and legalised," he added.

"The revenue obtained by the Government from racing is enormous, but if all betting was put through legitimate channels the figure would be at, least double what it is to-day. I would suggest that the individual clubs should also derive some benefit from off-course bettin« on their meetings in the way of a percentage, this money to be utilised for general improvements to property and increased stake-money," he added. Publication of Dividends "Why dividends are not published is lust beyond my comprehension, for, if interested, one may ascertain the dividend paid by a horse racing in any part of New Zealand within a matter of minutes of the race being run," he added. Captain Dent also expressed theoDinion that the double totalisator should be reinstated and that New Zealand should have a State lottery. "I fully realise that the suggestions made bv me will meet with adverse criticism" from the non-betting public,", he continued, "but whatever their criticism may be betting will continue more and more and it is high time it was brought under control with benefit to the Government and country in general.