THE DECLINE OF THE PLUNGER,

Otago Witness, Issue 2692, 18 October 1905, Page 55

THE DECLINE OF THE PLUNGER,

In spite of all we hear about the increase of gambling, it is the fact that it would be impossible to win a fifth of the money on a big race that could ha\c been won 15 or 20 yeaus ago. Men who thought nothing of putting £25 or £50 on a race in those days will now risk no more than £5 (says the Australasian), and perhaps less than that. And there are very few heavy betting owners. The late Mr Ernest Brodribb. in boom time, would have as much on a horse as any 10 present-day owners we can think of would put on among them. Probably the totalisator has had a deal to do with educating owners to be satisfied with email bets. It may be that, or perhaps we have run out of big gamblers. If so, it is so much the bettor for the sport. The big betting owner seldom lasts, and it is the same with the dashing bookmaker. With the stakes gradually going up. most owners can get a'ong without wanting to win thousands from the ring. The latest move with regard to the bookmakers must mean an increase of revenue, which will be devoted to stakes. Of late the "W-estern Australian Turf Club has beaten the V.R.C. in the matter of profits, but it does not give anything like the same stake-money and let the owners race without paying the club anything for the privilege. The bookmakers' trouble is all settled, and, seeing that over 70 men paid £75 each to bet in Sydney, the Victorian layers must bs congratulated- on having secured very fair terms from the V.R.O. There is a difference of opinion among bookmaker 1 ; as to which is the better ploco to tot at — Flemington or JJanSwick. The Melbourne men say Randwick, and the Sydney men Flomington. Probably there is not much to chose between the two place's, but we believe it is generally admitted that the Melbourne Cup meeting stands out above all others from a bookmaker's point of view.