More young men than ever are gambling, but not to win
On a Friday night in a pub during the footy finals, the ABC asked every table if they had a bet on; all but one did. Experts say it's a red flag against the government's limited gambling reforms.
In Australia, gambling has reached staggering levels, with citizens spending a staggering $30 billion annually on bets. This figure is a reflection of the country's high propensity for gambling, which is considered the world's most voracious. To grasp the scope of this spending, consider the bustle of a local pub during AFL or NRL finals.
These gatherings often feature patrons so engrossed in the game that they keep one eye on their phones, hoping for a lucky bet. While winning is the desired outcome, for many, placing a bet has become a social ritual that transcends the thrill of winning.
During the recent finals, an ABC reporter visited a pub in Bunbury, WA's largest regional city, where nearly every group of men had a bet on. Roy, a regular, placed two multi-bets despite not backing either team. His friend, Adam, also reflected on the impact of gambling applications on his habits. Adam once used multiple apps but has since deleted most of them, admitting he used to be "pretty bad" but has since slowed down.
Women, too, are not immune to the allure of gambling. Tanika, a woman who does not bet herself, noted that it is a social activity shared among her friends and family. She sees it as part of the wider social fabric, akin to football clubs, where it is a common pastime among men.
Experts and researchers are grappling with the rapid growth of gambling among young men. Vincent Mancini, a senior research fellow, explained how the gambling industry has normalized betting as part of masculinity. For young men, gambling offers more than just the chance to win; it provides social interaction, banter, and friendships. However, Mancini also noted that young men often realize they are likely to lose their money, yet the social aspects remain enticing.
The 12 months leading up to March saw online gambling surpass venue-based gambling for the first time in Australia's history. This shift is particularly pronounced in Western Australia, which boasts both the strictest betting laws and the second-highest rate of gambling per capita. Despite WA's efforts to curb gambling, the rise of online betting threatens to undermine these reforms.
Football clubs across the country are also grappling with the issue. Ray Gannaway, club secretary of the Busselton Magpies, described how betting agencies are omnipresent during breaks and changes. The club has implemented mental health programs to inform younger players about the potential risks of gambling addiction. Gannaway advocates for banning gambling advertising and reducing exposure to mitigate the allure of betting.
Curtin University researcher Louise Francis emphasized the cultural significance of gambling in Australia. From historical practices like two-up to modern events like the Melbourne Cup, gambling has become deeply embedded in the nation's cultural fabric. The industry has capitalized on this history to legitimize access to electronic betting, offering highly sophisticated wagering options.
Francis argues that the government's recent reforms should have been more comprehensive, calling for a blanket ban on gambling advertising. She highlighted the complexity of the issue, noting that the gambling industry is intertwined with sports and media, making it challenging to regulate without unintended consequences.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
