Looking Back #50 - The New (US) "Book-Makers" Stamp

The New (US) "Book-Makers" Stamp

A new stamp drawing much attention in the
daily press is the Special Tax Stamp for
"Wagering," aimed at book-makers on horse
races.

The tax is $50 annually, a new stamp each
year, and the current stamp which expires
June 30, 1952, is on sale at 33.34 because
approximately one-third of the fiscal year
has already passed.

The stamp is a rather large design, on the
style of liquor dealers' stamps, etc., and
composed entirely of printed matter. It
will probably be of greatest interest to
collectors of tax-paid revenue stamps.

From present indications the stamp will not
be popular with those who underwrite opinions
on the results of horse racing. A book-maker
must obtain a license stamp for himself and
each of his employees and there is also a 10
per cent tax levy on his gross "take."

As these notes were written, few of the stamps
had been sold. "Bookies," like Thanksgiving
poultry, shied from the horrible thought of
laying their necks on the block.

- George B. Sloane
Sloane's Column
Stamps
November 17, 1951