The Social Context of Horserace Gambling in New Zealand: an Historical and Contemporary Analysis

Abstract

It is demonstrated that for a century and a half horse racing has been an integral facet of New Zealand's culture. Established as one of the earliest colonial institutions horse racing in its subsequent consolidation and adaptation as a sport and an industry has mirrored the prevailing values, beliefs and behaviours of New Zealand citizens. Due to the lack of systematic and objective analysis, conjecture and supposition has arisen which has tended to portray New Zealanders as a nation of inveterate horse race gamblers. This thesis systematically examines New Zealand horse racing and its milieu through three distinct periods of development; pre-1880 when horse racing was characterised by its amateur status and laissez-faire proliferation, the period 1880 to 1970 when racing was to become a protected multi-million dollar industry and reach its zenith, and finally the post 1970 era which has seen horse racing decline. Two hypotheses are discussed in the context of each of the three distinct racing eras. The first generated hypothesis claims that horse racing in New Zealand was not only fostered but also regulated by a monied and ruling social elite. The second hypothesis demonstrates that, with perhaps the exception of the single male and the monied elite, expenditure on horse race gambling always was, and still is, governed by adherence to a culturally fostered concept of prioritised thrift. Data analysis of recent racing industry and government commissioned surveys provides empirical support for such a view. In addition the analysis of historical, social, economic and political literature generates theory of a 'general' type in order to further explain why New Zealanders have always gambled on horse racing in a responsible and restrained manner. Finally, it is suggested that several societal produced 'causal factors' that lie beyond the control of the racing industry are responsible for the recent and marked downturn of both crowd attendance and totalisator turnover.