THE TOTALISATOR.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 9 October 1913, Page 4

THE TOTALISATOR.

The advance-sheets of tlie Official Year Book furnish some interesting information concerning the operations of the State-patronised gambling machine in New Zealand. It is astounding to learn that the sum put through the totalisator in 1912-13 was £3,600,465. The turnover of the machine has increased seven-fold during the last two decadas, for in 1891-2 the investments amounted to only £506,078. A strange, but none the lees significant commentary upon the legislation enacted for the minimising of the gambling evil is the fact that since the number of race days were reduced the totalisator takings have very nearly doubled. To be precise, in 1910-11, when there were 287 race days, the investments amounted to £1,933,534, while last year, when there were only 265 race days, the totalisator takings were £3,800,465. .4s the Government benefits by this increase to a tuna of thousands of pounds, it may not be over-anxious to increase the number of race days and break up the gambling monopoly. But, if those who regard gambling as an evil are well-advised, they will withdraw their opposition to the extension of totalisator licenses in country districts.