In the time-hallowed phrase, the future of the tote is under active consideration.
To do that, it will be necessary to gain the co-operation of the off-course betting industry to place tote terminals in its shops.
Any change in the status of the tote would require primary legislation.
It is not intended in any sense to make the tote a perpetual pensioner of the levy.
Some way must be found of enabling the tote to compete with the bookmakers.
The bookmakers agree that there is a need for the tote as an alternative system.
Bookmakers who, understandably, complain about the difficulties of on-course betting would have far more to complain about but for the tote facilities.
Today we have a "tote" on every racecourse and greyhound track, and we have the football pools.
