The Gaming Act, 1968, Takes Hold

Published date01 October 1970
DOI10.1177/0032258X7004301003
Date01 October 1970
Subject MatterArticle
SIR
RANULPH
BACON,
K.P.M.
Sir Ranulph Bacon's police career was extremely distinguished.
He joined the Metropolitan Police in 1928 and was selected for the
Metropolitan Police College, where he won the Baton
of
Honour in
1935. During the second world war he served in the Middle East,
becoming Deputy Provost Marshal, Ninth Army. In 1944 he was
appointed Inspector General
of
the Ceylon Police, returning to Eng-
land in 1947to become ChiefConstable
of
Devon. Hejoined the late Sir
Joseph Simpson's top team at New Scotland Yard in
1961
as an
Assistant Commissioner
of
Police
of
the Metropolis and retired in
1966 as Deputy Commissioner. Sir Ranulph is a director
of
Securicor
and a member
of
the Gaming Board.
THE
GAMING
A(;T,
1968,
TAKES
HOLD
When the new Gaming Act received the Royal Assent in October,
1968, there were upwards of 1,200 clubs' in Great Britain where
gambling was taking place. Compared to betting-shops, it was a
small number; set alongside race-meetings or dog-tracks or pro-
fessional football grounds, it was a large number; in comparison
with other countries where gaming was permitted, it was an almost
incredible number.
The French, masters of logic as they are, understood more
than
60 years ago that acountry with many other attractions could be
rendered even more inviting by offering casino gambling in plush,
soft-footed, suave, almost dignified surroundings. They set up a
central organ of control which restricted their gambling centres to
places of tourist resort. Hence, no casino will be found in an indus-
trial city such as Lille. Tradition has ensured that casino gambling
remained restrained and stately. I remember the look of anguished
disbelief on the face of the croupier in the casino at Le Touquet
when a raucous and bejewelled lady from London vehemently
admonished her
husband-"Yer
played like a
fool"-to
which, black
bow-tie askew, he replied, "Aw shuddup". A majestic gesture of
suicide waspermissible but, Mon Dieu, pas Ie reproche!
Today there are about 170 casinos in France, but there are signs
that the games played and the subdued atmosphere may have to
be modified to meet the desires
ofa
huge annual tourist invasion
from the United States. In Monte Carlo, the Principality that relies
on the proceeds from gambling for the solvency of the tiny State, an
American Room has recently been opened, with American Roulette,
Craps, Blackjack, one-armed bandits and piped music. The Euro-
pean patrons have recoiled in
horror-the
noise
!-but
the revenue
cannot be discounted.
October 1970 257

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT