TAX ON BOOKMAKERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 744, 28 June 1923, Page 2

TAX ON BOOKMAKERS.

EVIDENCE BEFORE COMMITTEE

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, Juno 2G

Mr David Crimp, of Ladbrook’s bookmaking firm, giving evidence before the Betting Committee, said his firm was not opposed to a moderate tax. It would not injure business, but any estimate of the yield that was based on the question to turnover or the number of transactions would be worthless. It would be in the interests of the public to have all bookmakers licensed, for which a fee should be charged. Tuttersall’s committee should be consulted before any license was granted. This would not be responsible for a large revenue, but would eliminate the rogue who established an office for the purpose of taking public money without any intention of paying losses. There were a great many rogues in England, and betting would bo greatly curtailed if it were made illegal for bookmakers and tipsters to advertise. Witness argued that the totalisator was not appropriate to England as the bookmakers supplied the public want. Reputable bookmakers welcomed the .suggestions by which the profession would be purged of those not upholding its honour. He suggested that considerable revenue could be obtained by making bookmakers obtain a license to bet, with a minimum fee of one guinea and a maximum of 25 guineas. —A. and N, Z, cable.