A CURB ON BETTING Sm,—With reference to Janus' note in
The Spectator for January 17th concerning Mr. Seebohm Rownuee's comments on the man-power shortage and the number of people employed in the betting trade, I am of the opinion that the problem is one which could be solved quite easily. I suggest for your consideration (and, possibly, for the consideration of Parliament) the following simple and straightforward measures: (a) Legalise all forms of betting ; (b) Institute a system of betting licences for bookmakers, pool promoters, &c., with an annual fee of (say) £50. The loss of this licence for any offence under (c) to debar the individual for ever from operating directly or indirectly in the betting trade ; (c) Impose a graduated tax on all winnings whether from horse, dog or other racing or from sweepstakes or football pools. Suggested scale: Wins up to £5, to per cent. ; £5 to £50, zo per cent. ; Lso to Doc), so per cent. ; Doo to Lzso, 75 per cent. ; over £250, too per cent. The essence of the scheme would be the too per cent. tax on all winnings over £250 or thereabouts. This would knock the bottom out of the football pool racket and cripple most tither high-prize sweepstakes.—
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