WILL THEY SUCCEED?

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 July 1939, Page 11

WILL THEY SUCCEED?

DRIVE AGAINST STARTING-PRICE BETTORS. SYDNEY POLICE AND CLUBS ACTIVE. The police and racing clubs are again, making a drive against startingprice betting in Sydney. Naturally, the clubs are keen upon its suppression, but whether the effort by the police is merely spasmodic remains to be seen. Whey they warred upon them some time ago. starting-price bettors were so hard-pressed that many dropped out of business. If what we read is correct as to the large amounts it is now possible to invest with them, they must again be flourishing almost to the same extent as prior to the passing of the Act that was expected to put them out of business. Where there is demand there is generally supply, and, for that reason alone, absolute suppression of startingprice betting must necessarily be difficult. The man who wishes to put his shillings on is going to find someone to accommodate him, ..no matter what may be the risk in the way of punishment. While small investments by people who cannot find time to go to races are somewhat excusable, it is different with owners and trainers who indulge in “off the course” betting in a fairly large way. There are several who do, and, in supporting starting-price bookmakers to the detriment of those who pay licences to bet on the courses, they are not playing the game.