Claims for Honesty of Off-Course Betting

Grey River Argus, 23 February 1949, Page 6

Claims for Honesty of Off-Course Betting

WELLINGTON, Feb. 22

“The sport of racing, and all those who make an honest livelihood from it, will benefit substantially from the introduction of a system of legalised off-course betting, such as that favoured by the Royal Gaming Commission,” said Mr T. G. Fox, president of the New Zealand Trotting Owners, Trainers and Breeders’ Association, in a statement issued to-day. “Evidence was given before the commission to the effect that over £40,000,-000 was invested by followers of racing in a year and that less than half this amount went through the only legal channel available, the totalisator,” he said. “The balance was placed with illegal bookmakers, who dodge taxation and who make no contribution to the sport. If the conference scheme were in operation taxation would be levied on all the off-course betting turnover with consequent advantage to the State and those associated with racing.

“Another point which I think should be emphasised is that the betting public, in all cases, would, under a legalised system, get full tote odds. At. present tJiey are obliged to accept any old odds the ‘bookies’ like to pay.