Dear Members,
It is with great sadness that I advise you of the passing of the legendary bookmaker and City Tatts Life Member, Bill Waterhouse at age 97.
Bill was known for his boldness and willingness to go head to head with the largest punters of his day and was reported to have lost $1 million dollars in a single day in 1968. Originally a qualified barrister, Bill became a colourful racing figure and dominated the racing industry in the 1960’s and 1970’s, often referred to as the “king of the bookies” and the “biggest gambler in the world”.
At an early age Bill became a member of City Tattersalls Club in 1942, made a lifetime member in 1982 and was a regular at the Club throughout his life.
Bill’s fondness of the Club stayed with him even in his twilight years. In August this year he came to the Club to share stories of his time here. These stories have thankfully been recorded and will be told in the upcoming 125 year Club Book to be published next year.
Although Bill has passed, his memories of our history of our Club have been captured for prosperity.
On behalf of the Club, I wish to extend to the Waterhouse family our condolences for their loss. His life is a colourful part of our Club’s history.
Patrick Campion
Chairman
City Tattersalls Club
