Tote ‘does nothing’ to discourage young punters

ARE you aware that, despite an apparent policy of discouraging the involvement of children from the addictive gambling habit — prohibiting entry to casinos and certain arcades — the Government-sponsored Tote, if not actively promoting the practice among youngsters at venues such as the Punchestown festival and probably elsewhere, does nothing at all to prevent them from laying bets?

Visit any such venue and see for yourself.

I’ve contacted the Tote managers who tell me their brief explicitly excludes any reference to age in regard to their customers?

I also contacted the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism — about six months ago — and still await an acknowledgement, not to mention an explanation from him.

Perhaps your special feature (January16/17) may elicit some response to this irresponsible attitude.

Peter McIlwaine

Manor Kilbride

Co Wicklow