The Dominion WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1927. THE GAMING BILL

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 15, 12 October 1927, Page 10

The Dominion WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1927. THE GAMING BILL

Reference was made in the House of Representatives yesterday to the prospects of the Gaming Act Amendment Bill. The. Prime Minister’s reply to a question by Mr. Glenn was non-committal as to the date on which the Bill was likely to come before the House of Representatives for consideration, but as the promise has been made that the measure will be afforded a hearing it may be taken for granted that the day now is not far distant. Though it cannot be claimed that the Bill is one of urgency,, it is one which is of some interest and importance. The law, which at present prevents the publication of dividends on horse races,, is quite absurd, for the information is made available through illegitimate channels. Practically every bookmaker has the particulars available soon after a race is run, and those who patronise the illegal form- of wagering are thus encouraged to continue their patronage. In the same way the prevention of the telegraphing of money to a racecourse further plays into the hands of the bookmaker. If the State sees fit to legalise betting through the totalisator and makes it illegal to bet with a bookmaker, it surely is illogical to play into the hands of the bookmaker, as is done by the law as it stands.

The opponents of the Gaming Bill object to the proposed amendments of the law on the ground that they encourage gambling. No doubt they believe that this is the case. Actually, they themselves are assisting the bookmakers. Their opposition to gambling is understandable; but why force it into the most dangerous channels ?

The Prime Minister was right in claiming that the more important Government business must take precedence to the Gaming Bill, but it is desirable that this measure should not be held over until too late in the session for it to receive a fair hearing.