NEW GAMING BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5537, 20 July 1920, Page 6

NEW GAMING BILL.

BUSINESS OF “BOOKIE” DECLARED UNL AW F UL.

DRASTIC PENALTIES ON OFFENDERS.

WELLINGTON, July IS. Tlie Gaining Amendment Bill was circulated during the week end. Tlie evident purpose of the Bill is to make it unprofitable for any person either to carry on the business of bookmaking or to he with bookmakers.

The operative clauses of the Bill run as follows: — The business or occupation of a “bookie” is hereby declared to he unlawful. Every person carrying cm such business, or occupation, commits an offence under this Act and is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of £SOO, or to imprisonment for a term of two years. Every person who makes a Dot with a bookmaker commits an offence against this Act and is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of £IOO or to imprisonment for a term of one. month. In any prosecution for an offence against this Act the fact that a person has directly, or indirectly, offered to make a bet, or has issued, or been party to, the issue, of any card or circular indicating in any manner when or with whom a bet may he made, or stating the odds upon or against any horse or event, shall he sufficient evidence until the contrary is proved that such person is carrying on the business, or occupation, of a bookmaker. No person shall he deemed to commit an offence against this Act by reason merely of the fact that he lias made a bet with any other person upon any particular event, unless it is part of the business or occupation of either of such persons to make bets. Another provision relating to the removal of bookmakers from racecourses runs: "A bookmaker may he removed from a racecourse by an agent or servant of the Racing (Hub having the use or control of that racecourse, or by any constable.

It is provided also that totalisator hotting may be carried oil as at present permitted by law.—Special to Timea