LARGE LOTTERIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21976, 10 June 1933, Page 11

LARGE LOTTERIES

CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE FINDINGS OF COMMISSION (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, June 8. (Received June 9, at 5.5 p.m.) The final report of the Royal Commission on Lotteries and Betting states that the main principle followed was that, while gambling among private individuals should not be interfered with, organised gambling facilities should be prohibited or restricted where they lead to serious social consequences. The commission recommends that the existing legislation as to lotteries, gaming, and betting should be amended and consolidated. No change is recommended in the existing position at civil law by which wagering transactions are not enforcible in the courts. Office totalisator betting should be prohibited. All bookmakers on or off racecourses should be registered, and no betting should be allowed with persons under the age of 17. The institution of large lotteries in Britain is not recommended as this is considered undesirable in itself and unlikely to assist materially in suppressing the sale of tickets in lotteries promoted elsewhere. If the institution of a large lottery were permitted the least objectionable form would be a State lottery for the benefit of the Exchequer.

POSTAL CASH BETTING LEGALISATION RECOMMENDED. LONDON, June 9. (Received June 9, at 9.35 p.m.) The Lotteries Commission’s recommendations include the following:— Legalisation of postal cash betting. Restriction of bookmakers’ advertisements. Prohibition of tipsters’ businesses. Restriction of betting to 10 days monthly or 100 yearly. 1 ' Limitation of meetings on racecourses and dog tracks to two days weekly. Prohibition of the publication of swee'pstake results or information encouraging participation. /

Prohibition of newspaper competitions in sporting events unless .the prizes are limited to £IOO,