Story: Gambling

Ellerslie bookmakers, November 1910

Ellerslie bookmakers, November 1910

Horse racing was New Zealanders' most popular gambling activity until the 1970s. Bookmakers ('bookies') dominated both on- and off-course betting until they were banned from racecourses in 1910. In this photograph, bookies line up with their boards at a meeting at Auckland's Ellerslie racecourse. This was possibly their last appearance there. The totalisator can be seen under the gable of the building in the background. 

Using this item

Auckland City Libraries - Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, Sir George Grey Special Collections
Reference: AWNS-19101110-12-2

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

David Grant, 'Gambling - Sports betting', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/39433/ellerslie-bookmakers-november-1910 (accessed 6 May 2024)

Story by David Grant, published 5 Sep 2013