BETTING IN DENMARK
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—With reference to the proPosed Betting and Lotteries Bill, it might interest readers of The Spectator to know how different other countries regard these matters. In Denmark it is assumed that betting is a necessary evil, quite as uneradic- able as the drinking habit, for instance, and is consequently turned into a State monopoly. Only the Danish State lottery
and an • agricultural lottery authorized by the State are permitted, all other lotteries prohibited. On Race-courses it is only legal to bet through the State-owned Tote (the rake-off is 30 per cent. of the turnover, the proceeds of which are divided between the State and the race-course associations), and bookmaking is very strictly forbidden, offenders—bookmakers as well as their clients—being prosecuted and heavily fined. To facilitate off-course betting, the State is this year going to open up a branch office of the tote in this city on racing days along the same lines as the Tote Investors Inc. are run in England, but only cash bets are accepted, no credit given. The tote operates on horse-racing courses (galloping as well as trotting) besides the bicycle races and the carrier pigeon races. The whole arrangement provides a very good income for the State.—I am, Sir, &c.,
P. M. ADLER.
Rosendrns Alle 16, Copenhagen.
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