In a quiet night in Fairfield, in Sydney’s western suburbs, a group of Gamblers Anonymous members gather to support each other. The meeting is taking place in a suburb with high levels of gambling losses and low incomes, fueled by the presence of gaming clubs like the Fairfield RSL which houses hundreds of gaming machines. New South Wales is second only to Nevada in the number of gaming machines, with one machine for every 88 people in the state.
Australia has a significant gambling problem, with 18% of the world’s poker machines located in the country. Australians are the world’s biggest per capita losers in gambling, with $25bn spent annually. Most gambling takes place in local pubs and clubs, contributing to the high losses. Online gambling has also seen exponential growth, with a third of Australians placing bets online in the last four months.
The national conversation on gambling has intensified, with advocates calling for stricter regulations on gambling advertising. The Responsible Wagering Australia group aims to balance reducing exposure to vulnerable individuals while supporting sports and broadcasters that rely on gambling funding.
The proliferation of gambling ads has raised concerns, particularly about the impact on children. Anti-gambling advocates argue that a total ban on gambling advertising is necessary to protect Australian culture and prevent further harm. Stories of individuals losing everything to gambling highlight the devastating impact of the issue. Despite challenges, there is hope for recovery and reconciliation, as individuals seek support and treatment for their gambling addiction.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com