FACILITIES FOR BETTING

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25741, 1 March 1949, Page 6

FACILITIES FOR BETTING

SUPPORT BY JOCKEYS’ ASSOCIATION (P.A.) WELLINGTON, February 28. “Legalised and properly controlled off-course betting, such as that recommended by the Royal Commission on Gaming, would remove the incentive that now exists for improper interference with the running of races,” said Mr W. J. Broughton, president of the Jockeys’ Association, and one of the Dominion’s leading riders, in a statement to-day. “Our association is opposed to bookmakers, whether licensed or otherwise, because we have found their existence often results in big betting, and in the interests of big betters, jockeys are sometimes asked to do things that are repugnant to them,” said Mr Broughton. “I do not say it happens often, but the temptation is always there when big money is at stake, and it is wrong if the man in the street who wagers his modest few shillings does not get a fair run for his money. After

all, it is the man in the street who is the biggest supporter of racing. “The adoption of a system of offcourse betting, as recommended by the Gaming Commission, would, I am satisfied, place racing throughout New Zealand on a better basis. “I read the commission’s report with the closest interest, and in my opinion the arguments advanced in support of the system were absolutely unanswerable. The system would make legal and above-board off-course betting that is now forced underground, and it would remove the evils at present associated with such betting. “My view is that thousands of New Zealanders, men and women who enjoy an honest flutter, should be permitted to enjoy it openly. Organising the scheme will be a big job for the racing and Trotting Conferences, but they have the inducement and the means to carry it out. The jockeys will back them all the way.”