DRUG MONEY FEARS OVER BOOKIE REFORMS

Criminals could take over bookmaking stands at racecourses because of
reforms to the way on-course betting is organised, according to the group
that represents racecourse bookies.

The National Association of Bookmakers Chairman, John Stephenson, said
plans to let pitches beside racing courses be auctioned off could allow
drug barons and gangsters to use betting as a way of laundering money.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The new situation will allow
bookmakers to enter the ring who will have no experience whatsoever.

"We fear that it will bring in new finance from dubious sources, for
example from drugs, counterfeit goods, smuggled cigarettes and alcohol.

"They will have an agenda against racing and not in favour of racing."

The reforms are intended to modernise on-course betting and revive
traditional bookmakers, who have been losing trade.

The changes will allow popular pitches in the betting rings at courses to
be auctioned off to bring new operators into on-course betting. New
technology, to print betting slips with more information, will also be
introduced.

The Chairman of the National Joint Pitch Council, Richard Marriot, said the
changes would work in favour of the on-course bookmakers.

He said: "Our prime objective is to reverse the ring's loss of market share
by ensuring that punters get a better customer service.

"That will be achieved in three ways - first of all by making the ring a
more attractive environment, secondly by providing punters with better
information, and thirdly by ensuring a strong and competitive ring.

"That's where the auctions come in - to enable authorised bookmakers to
sell and buy their seniority positions at auction for the first time."

The first auctions will take place in two weeks - one of the few major
changes to be made to the industry since the war.

Checked-by: Pat Dolan