BETTING SHOPS A MENACE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 89, 1 May 1937, Page 14

BETTING SHOPS A MENACE

CAUSE DECLINE IN F00TBALL STRONG ADELAIDE PROTEST In an outspdken statement, Mr. Tom Hill, secretary of the South Australian National Football League, blamed betting shops for the decline in country football in South Australia, says the Sydney Referee. Mr. Hill declared that, ever since the introduction of betting shops, interest in football in«the country had been on the wane. He* doubted whether the game would ever be so successful financially as in the past, while the betting shops remained. "Field games, which make for the development of the national physique and character, have been very seriously affected," said Mr. Hill. "The greatest danger to the successful carrying on of field games is that gaming legislation has created an atmosphere in which children grow up. The proximity of betting shops to schools educates the young mind as to their purpose before they leave school." Mr. Hill said the League was endeavouring to encourage football in the country. He thought portion of the money derived from the betting shops should be given to aid sporting bodies in their efforts to "keep Australians fit in body and sound in mind." The Yorke Peninsula Association has decided to disband owing to the lack of support for football, due primarily to the betting shops, it is said. The Mt. Gamblier Association may also go out of existence, but in this case the reason is said to be increasing popularity of baseball.