Australian families are losing loved ones to gambling. The industry’s ‘I know nothing’ defence beggars belief | Zoe Daniel
Australians are the biggest gambling losers in the world. Labor’s feeble ‘reforms’ aren’t close to good enough Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Readers of a certain age will recall the Hogan’s Heroes TV series with affection and the implausibility of the Sergeant Schultz defence: “I know nothing.” But that’s pretty much what the multibillion-dollar gambling industry giants…
Australians are among the most significant gambling losers globally, as revealed by recent Senate inquiry allegations. The gambling industry has vehemently denied any involvement in supplying illicit drugs, sex workers, and alcohol to problem gamblers. Instead of meaningful reforms, the government is contemplating trivial measures, such as capping TV ads and banning radio ads during certain times.
This approach overlooks the committee's recommendations to ban betting inducements, gambling ads, and establish a robust national regulator. The consequences of gambling addiction, as revealed by former NRL player Luke Bateman, can lead to financial ruin, mental health issues, and even death. The inquiry heard stories of families shattered by gambling debt and tragic suicides.
Anna Bardsley, co-founder of Gambling Harm Lived Experience Experts, emphasized the inadequacy of the current measures, calling for a more substantial overhaul based on the Murphy report.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian Australia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
