Controlling Betting

New Zealand Tablet, 27 April 1922, Page 13

Controlling Betting

A REASONABLE PETITION. It is an established fact that the wagering instinct is inborn in human nature, and that properly regulated it does no appreciable harm. Gambling is not confined to the turf or to games of chance; it operates in every phase of life. Our Gaming Laws, as far as they apply to racing, are inconsistent; in as much as they discriminate between rich and poor, and afford a monopoly to the extent of preventing competition with the totalisator. This is most unfair to the race-goers, particularly to those of moderate means, who enjoy this form of sport and recreation. Either betting should be prohibited on the Racecourse, and off, or some means of control should be devised which would be more effective than the present system. The present Gaming Law has suppressed reputable men operating as bookmakers, who had their reputation placed at stake, and has raised a most undesirable form of secret betting in' shops, offices, and factories. Undoubtedly there is a sphere for the! reputable bookmaker. It was possible in the old days for a sportsman of moderate means to transact bets which were within his means, and he was not forced to spend 10s or a £l, which he could not afford, in backing a horse. Properly controlled, the bookmaker would be undoubtedly a useful member of society. Were the Government to legalise fit and proper persons as bookmakers, approved by the Racing Conference and the Police, it would increase its revenue by about £IOO,OOO from licenses, and the Racing Clubs would benefit by an addition to their revenue, in payment for permits granted to operate on their courses. , A petition, praying the Government to make the avocation of the bookmaker legal, is at present being widely circulated throughout New Zealand. Its claims are so reasonable and its intentions so honest, that it deserves the signature of every sportsman throughout the country. 103 a.