131

These items are, of course, supplemented by a running description of each race. It is difficult to imagine that any of the items of information given could act as stimuli to betting by any one not already addicted to betting or prone to bet, and they will almost certainly bet without any stimulation. All that remains is the stimulating effect of the running description of the races. That that may provoke interest in people who would not otherwise give any thought to racing is undeniable, but we could find no evidence that it does so to any material extent, nor yet any evidence that any one, through an interest stimulated in this way, was induced to go to the races or to gamble. 364. Our conclusion is that, except in respect of that class defined as " progress bettors," broadcasting, whilst it can stimulate an interest in racing and betting, has not done so and is not doing so to any substantial extent. In this relation, as in every other, it is better, we think, to let the public know what is going on and not to shroud the occurrences at race meetings in silence and in mystery. 365. Notwithstanding this, we agree with the late Mr. Warburton that the publication of starting odds before a race does operate as a stimulus to betting. That it does so, Australian experience has apparently proved. The same objection does not apply to dividends paid on races already decided, and that information must, we think, be given if a legal off-course system of betting is to succeed. Some limitation of the information broadcast is, however, necessary. 366. We recommend that broadcasting be limited to the running description of races, to the order of favouritism, and to the dividends paid by the placed horses in races already decided and to the names of the horses starting, and the riders in the next succeeding race, and to' the weights to be carried by each horse. By so limiting the operations of the broadcasting service we think that any effective stimulus to betting will be minimized, illegal off-course betting will be—at least in sorpe measure —reduced and the great numbers of people who derive pleasure from the running descriptions of races will not be deprived of their enjoyment. 367. This statement of the position, however, provokes comment upon two topics that were made the subject of evidence. The first is that the public is entitled to as true and correct an account of the race as is possible. The evidence given before us suggests that sports announcers, for dramatic effect or from excitement, misrepresent the true running and make the finish of every race close and exciting. Whatever the cause, the result amounts to no more than the publication of false information and is otherwise undesirable. We deem it the duty of the Broadcasting Service to see that only accurate descriptions are broadcast from racecourses and that accuracy be made a cardinal obligation of all sports announcers.