THE TOTALISATOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19622, 28 October 1925, Page 10

THE TOTALISATOR.

ITS POSITION IK AUSTRALIA (Fbom Opr Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, October 27. Betting c.n the totalisator does not appeal to the sporting public in New South Wales, according to Mr F. Earl, of Auckland, who has returned from Australia. “The totalisator is a failure in NewSouth Wales,” said Mr Earl, “owing to the fact that they pay a third dividend.” Under the system 12j per cent, of the total investments was taken out of pool, and of the remainder 60 per cent, was allotted to the first horse, 30 per cent, to the second, and 20 per cent, to the third. ■ He compared this with the New Zealand method, under which 75 per cent, went to the backers of the first horse, and 25 per cent, to the second horse’s supporters, after va per cent, had been taken out of the p-in and a 2i per cent , dividend tax taken off the remainder, lie said the additional 20 per cent, given to the third horse reduced the dividend ou tho winning horse to such an extent that no one who betted seriously placed money on the totaiieatcr. Mr Earl said the totalisator in New South Walts '-as supported mainly by women, and he was astounded to note the number of women who were betting in this way. Being used to the totalisator, ho used thr s means for placing his money, but, in the queue at the stewards’ stand, he found that ho was me of the two or three men who were doing so, while 100 women were in the line. Host of the money still went on with bookmakers:. Regarding bookmakers, Mr Eari said they were "very strongly' established in New South Wales, and he did not think they would ever be eliminated. In Victoria there wee c. Bill before Parliament providing for the introduction oi the totalisator, and fixing a term after which bookmakers would not be allowed to operate. The Bill was not yet law, and Mr Earl said he did not think it -would be possible ever to eliminate bookmakers in that State.