SP Bookmaking and Other Aspects of Criminal Activity in the Racing Industry: An Issues Paper

In response to comments of concern voiced by Commissioner Fitzgerald about the size of the SP industry in Queensland and his suspicions about possible links with organised crime, the Criminal Justice Commission is undertaking intensive investigation of the illegal bookmaking industry in Queensland. 

SP bookmaking is a term commonly used to describe all forms of illegal bookmaking. The term "SP" refers to the starting price of horses, and illegal bookmakers became known as the "SPs" because of a widespread practice of paying out winning bets on the basis of the starting price. 

Read the Report on S.P. Bookmaking and Related Criminal Activities in Queensland here.