THE BETTING CRAZE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8997, 6 December 1907, Page 4

THE BETTING CRAZE.

We have had occasion to speak in terms of condemnati >n respecting several of the provisions of the new Gaming Act, but so far as it applies to the suppression of gambling generally—especially betting—it possesses praiseworthy features. Originally the evil in this country had its nucleus in the field of horse-racing, but eventually tentacles were sent out in various directions until almost every form of field Bport was embraced. The extent to which the spirit of betting has taken hold of the people is exemplified in connection with the gaslight spores in Auckland. These sports, which were mainly athletic, and drew nightly crushes, have been, we learn by telegraph, discontinued because of the greatxajling off in the attendance since the "passing of the Gaming Act and the consequent suppression of betting. On Wednesday night only 200 persons were present. This speaks volumes as to the extent to which tha spirit of gambling pervades all sections of the community. It would appear as if a huge proportion of the people are not content with rational amusements, but can only take an interest in them when stakes are involved. At the gaslight sports betting evidently formed a much greater attraction than the legitimate amusements provided on theground. A stringent law for the suppression of the evil was assuredly necessary.