Bookmakers to get Devine intervention

RACE fan MP Jim Devine has backed bookmakers at Westminster - despite handing them a windfall profit earlier this year.

The Livingston Labour MP is calling on the Government to veto a planned change in the way course pitches for bookies are allocated.

But he revealed in a special debate on the issue: "The last time I spoke on a debate like this, it was the week of the Cheltenham Festival and I gave out a tip for a horse which came nowhere. What I did not realise was that half of the staff who work in the Palace had bet on that horse and some have not spoken to me since."

Currently, on-course pitches are handed down through bookmaking families, but can also be sold on. But under the Gambling Act this will end in 2012 allowing the authorities the final decision on pitches.

Mr Devine said this would allow big bookmakers to have a monopoly driving out small local independents. He said: "Our independent bookmakers are an essential part of the industry. They bring a lot of fun and competition to the race track."

New Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe promised to monitor the situation but made no pledge to act on Mr Devine's request.