Bookmakers’ Earnings.

Thames Star, Volume LXV, Issue 19211, 18 September 1934, Page 3

Bookmakers’ Earnings.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REPORT. People accustomed to visualise bookmakers as people who wear expensive check suits and diamond rings, driving motor-cars of astronomical horse-power, received something of a shock to be told by the South Australian Betting Control Board, in its report to the Government, that the 362 bookmakers operating under the new Act which legalises their operations, had made an average profit of £63 in the six months of their (legal) existence. This is definitely less than even a depression basic wage, and some of them did not even make that. Thero were 135 who made an average loss of £96. The fielders themselves are ready enough to supply the explanation, blaming the Government tax, but the remarks of the board must also be considered. The bo.ard says: “This may be due to the fact that some bookmakers were inexperienced and that others have had an unlucky period. The element of chance cannot be eliminated.”