NCJ Number
140662
Date Published
1991
Length
312 pages
Annotation
This analysis of illegal bookmaking in Queensland, Australia concludes that law reforms are needed to clarify the definition of the offense and change the penalties and that a centralized police unit should become responsible for law enforcement related to this problem.
Abstract
Also called SP bookmaking, this offense originally consisted of bookmaking based on the starting prices at horse races and now involves the acceptance of unlawful wagers on the outcome of any sporting event or other event. The analysis of SP bookmaking began in August 1990 and used information from police in Queensland and other states as well as consultation with experts on the subject. Results revealed that problems associated with SP bookmaking include tax avoidance by SP bookmakers, links with violence and other crime, corruption of police and other public officials, and social problems. To address these problems, economic approaches should be emphasized to attract the SP bookmakers' market share to lawful alternatives. In addition, the offense definition should be clarified and penalties increased for second and later offenses, with imprisonment required for defaults on paying fines. In addition, a coordinated national effort is needed to address this problem. Footnotes and appended legislation and background information