Greyhounds Association to seek legalising of bookmakers

Press, 3 September 1982, Page 9

Greyhounds Association to seek legalising of bookmakers

PA Wellington Information has been gathered and a draft report is now being prepared by the New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association for its call to have bookmakers legalised for its sport. This was confirmed from Auckland on Tuesday by the president of the greyhound association, Mr Sam Fletcher. He said that the final copy of the draft will be presented to the association board members on Saturday, September 25, to gain official approval. If approved, copies will be circulated to the Racing and Trotting Conferences and the New Zealand Racing Authority. An official approach to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Highet, will be made during October, according to Mr Fletcher. The association would like to see on-course bookmakers

legalised for its sport in line with the system that operates successfully in Australia. Mr Fletcher said that the on-course turnovers at not only greyhound meetings, but also racing and trotting fixtures need boosting, and bookmakers could achieve this by providing an added attraction and it would draw more people to the course. “The bookmakers will be able to provide a carnival atmosphere — they turn the course into a market place where the better can make his choice. It was conceded by Mr Fletcher that the association might be facing an uphill battle to convince Mr Highet to have on-course bookmakers legalised, but he said he was hopeful. “If you believe that something is necessary you have got to work hard to achieve it,” he said.