GAMBLING LAWS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 218, 10 June 1933, Page 11

GAMBLING LAWS

State Lotteries Opposed BRITISH INVESTIGATIONS Royal Commission’s Report RESTRICTION ON BETTING Official Wireless. Rugby, June S. The final report of the Royal Commission on lotteries and betting was issued to-night. The committee states that the main principle they have followed is that, while gambling among private individuals should not be interfered with, organised gambling facilities should be proh.bited or restricted where those facilities l ea<l to serious social consequences. The report recommends that existing legislation as to lotteries, gaming and betting should be amended and consolidated. No change is recommended in the existing position at civil law. wherebv wagering transactions are unenforcible in the courts. Office totalisator betting, according to the report, should be prohibited, and all bookmakers on or off racecourses should be registered and no betting allowed with persons under the age of seventeen. The institution of large lotteries in Britain is not recommended as this is considered undesirable in itself and unlikely to assist materially in suppressing the sale of tickets in lotteries promoted elsewhere. If the institution of large lottery were permitted, and this is not recommended the least objectionable form would be a State lottery for the benefit of-the Exchequer. BETTING BY POST Legislation Recommended CHECK ON PUBLICITY By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received June 9, 9.35 p.m.) London, June 9. The Lotteries Commission’s . recommendations include legalisation of postal cash betting, restriction of bookmakers’ advertisements, prohibition of tipsters’ business, and restrictions of betting to ten days monthly or 100 days yearly. All racecourses and dog tracks, says the report, should have meetings limited to two clays weekly. The prohibition of publication of sweepstake results, or information encouraging participation, and also the prohibition of newspaper competitions in sporting events unless prizes are limited to £lOO are recommended.