BETTING IN N.S.W.

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29891, 3 August 1962, Page 5

BETTING IN N.S.W.

N.Z. System “Unsuitable” (N.Z. Press Assn.— Copyright) SYDNEY, August 2. New Zealand’s off-course betting system would not be acceptable in New South Wales, the New South Wales Trotting Club president. Mr James Reeves, said today Mr Reeves gave evidence before the Royal Commission into Offcourse Betting. "New Zealand people are used to totalisator betting." he said. "They frown on bookmakers. Ninety per cent, of New Zealanders coming here do not bet with bookmakers." Reeves said the New Zealand TA B. closed two hours before each race Winnings were not paid on race day. If punters were allowed to bet up to starting time the New Zealand system would receive better - acceptance here. Mr Reeves said The New South Wales Trotting Club committee had formally discussed the question of off-course bookmakers before the Royal Commission was set up he said. The committee had received a deputation from the Bookmakers Co-operative Society and the AJ.C. Paddock Bookmakers' Association. The deputation favoured a system of licensed telephone credit betting. "After the deputation had gone, the committee was still convinced the totalisator system was best for trotting.” Mr Reeves said. Mr A. J. Goran, Q.C. (for the New South Wales Trotting Club> has submitted to the commission a plan for off-course totalisator betting in New South Wales similar to that operating in Victoria The hearing is unfinished.