THE PREVALENCE OF THE GAMBLING SPIRIT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2750, 16 January 1882, Page 2

THE PREVALENCE OF THE GAMBLING SPIRIT.

In the course of a discussion in the Victorian Legislative Assembly on the second reading of a Bill to legalisa the Totalisator, which was negatived, reference was made to the fearful spread of the gambling mania on horseracing. It was given in evidence by the late Mr Bagot, when he was examined before the Committee of the Legislative Council (says the “Argus ”j that 700 mushroom bookmakers attended the hill on Flemington course, whose calling would bo abolished by the totalisator. The debate turned chiefly on the question whether the totalisator would produce the beneficial effects ascribed to it by persons who were anxious to place a check on betting. Very few members were able to assist the House with any practical information on the subject. The prevalence of the gambling spirit was admitted by all Speakers. Mr Francis said that there was scarcely a kitchen maid or errand boy who did not take a share or part of a share in some racing sweeps. The bookmakers were stated to be unanimously against the totalisator, which the sdpporters'of the Bill regarded as valuable testimony in its favor. Members objecting to the introduction of the totalisator' as a legalised form of gambling, insisted that this mechanical Bystem of wagering would increase gambling instead of lessening it. The House was very much amused at the naive confession of Mr Gardiner, that he had discovered, after a brief experience, that he was not sharp enough for a bookmaker, and seriously doubted whether even the totalisator could be trtjsted with the money of simple people.