GAMING CONTROL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26692, 11 February 1948, Page 2

GAMING CONTROL

Sir, —In every country where licensed bookmakers are operating there is less racing fraud, better odds, and the booky ” is a witty, happy fellow. These “ bookies ” are the association members who have the cash to lay the odds in a fair way; on the other hand, the totalisator is a sure winner every time, gives poor odds, poor service in every way, and surly, snappish attention at the 11 pay-in " or “ pay-out ” windows. It also makes numbers of bad mistakes. The big “ bookie ” makes no mistakes, and he takes the risk of a nasty knock, where the totalisator does not. The racing authorities will do anything under the sun to stop off-course betting with bookmakers. ' but no law ever made will stop it. Most racecourses in New Zealand are not half as good as A. and P. showgrounds as far as accommodation for stock, trainers, jockeys, and the public goes. With State control of racing every person in New Zealand would benefit, not a favoured few. Most people know that hundreds of pounds are leaving this country each year to go overseas to a number of lotteries, and we collect a few prizes now and again. Would it not be much better if we had a lottery in this country run on the same lines and with similar prizes? Let us come out into the open and clean up this make-believe goody-goody stuff and put men in the responsible positions who are worth them and have worked for them through shell and fire.—l am, etc., A. Crosby. Glenomaru.