TOTALISATOR CHANGES

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1931, Page 2

TOTALISATOR CHANGES

"WIN AND PLACE MACHINES

DUNEDIN, August 7

The introduction of a five-shilling tptalisator at the Forbury Park trots is not likely to take place, but there is every chance of a system of payment of dividends for straight-out wins, and first, second and third places being introduced.

TJie club made a loss on last season’s operations of over £IOOO. “The experience in Sydney where the straight out arid place totalizators' have been adopted is that the public have greatly appreciated the change in the method of speculation,” said one racing man. “It would certainly be worth a trial in New Zealand. The rule as passed by the Trotting Conference last month contained alternate proposals in regard to the place totoliaator. There is provision for the division of the pool in equal proportions—-one-third to each of the placed horses, or alternatively in the proportions of 50 per cent., 30 per cent, aiiu 20 per cent.

The present system provides for one dividend where there are five or fewer starfer s in a race, but where six or more start—or to be more accurate six or more totalisator chances in any field—two dividends are paid. The ppol, after the commission has been deducted, is divided in the proportions of 75 per cent, to the bnkors of the first horse and 25 per cent-, to the backers of. the second horse, ■ If the Dunedin suggestion is put into effect, a dividend will be paid on one machine on the winner only, no matter how large the field, while on another totalisator a dividend will be paid on tlie first, second and third placed horses.