A CHECK ON GAMBLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15349, 9 July 1913, Page 8

A CHECK ON GAMBLING.

A few months ago new gambling places were being opened almost every week in the West End, but (says a London correspondent) there has been such a decline in the number of patrons of these places that, not. only has the opening of new establishments ceased, but many of the old places are closing their doors. These gambling houses were in the most fashionable residential quarter of London, and there was nothing to distinguish them from the ordinary houses and flats. For the most part they were conducted by people who had been, accustomed to mixing in good society, who had no means of livelihood, and who were determined not to work. They were usually furnished houses or flats, which had been obtained on lease while the owners were away, and they were extensively patronised by fashionable people of both sexes. Highclass suppers and wines were provided for patrons free of charge. The guests played cards among themselves, and the propiretors deducted a commission on all winnings. There was no cheating as a rule, but inexperienced players who succumbed to the temptation to gamble soon lost a great deal more than they could afford. The falling-off in the takings at these establishments is due to the publicity that has been given in the press to their existence. This has spread among the patrons a fear of police raids, and has also acted as a warning to young men and women who otherwise might have made ready victims. ,