SPORTSMEN AROUSED.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17419, 1 April 1922, Page 6

SPORTSMEN AROUSED.

"OUT FOR THEIR RIGHTS." PETITION TO PARLIAMENT. That sportsmen are alive to the need of protecting their interests and pleasures is proved by the widespread interest that has been aroused by the proposed petition to Parliament concerning the Gaming Amendment Act of 1920. It is now recognised that tne suppresfiion of bookmakers has not been a success, nor has it prevented gambling from being carried on continually (though out of sight) in all parts of the country. It is also recognised that the State is losing a vast amount of revenue by confining legalised betting to the totalisator. What the sporting community ask is that Parliament should reconsider the whole question of tho Gaming Laws, from the viewnoint of national interest, and the rights of the people as a whole. Why should a small section of tho population, who are not themselves interested in sport, racing, and allied pleasures, dictate to the community what should be done in respect to those matters? The petition .referred to declares that as the present laws relating to gaming are unsatisfactory, it would be in the interests of public morality for the State to license bookmakers to carry on their business on racecourses only, under proper control by the Racing and Trotting Conferences, and with due provisions tor the protection of tho public revenue. The 'Government has already declared that betting is legal in one form; it is only reasonable and logical to allow racecourse betting in another formthat is, through the bookmakers. The popular propensity for gambling cannot be suppressed; therefore it is best to allow betting to be carried on in the open, under proper control, in a manner tliqt will suit all classes of the public, and that will bring to the State the greatest possible amount of revenue.' The details of the new proposals show that it is proposed that reputable bookmakers be licensed on the payment of certain fees, and that all bets must be made upon a stamped "betting ticket." If this be done, and 200 bookmakers are licensed to operate at all registered race meetings, it is considered that the Government will benefit to the extent of about £IOO,OOO per annum, while the racing clubs would receive £79,000 per annum. This subject is one that, deserves .fullest investigation. Do not let it drift and go "by default." Learn the facts for yourself, then sign the petition which has been freely circulated and may be signed almost anywhere, and may be signed almost anywhere. — [Advt.]