A young Riverina gambling addict has opened up about his struggle and warned of the risks young people face.
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The man, who asked not to be named, said Australia’s relaxed attitude towards gambling set him up to lose tens of thousands of dollars within a few short years.
It started small, with a $1 bet at a TAB. Over time, it grew to $10, then $50, eventually growing to consume most of his income.
At the height of his addiction, he would bet $10 per spin on poker machines and place wagers through betting apps, a slave to an industry that is the subject of fierce political debate.
“You only ever hear about the wins, never the losses,” he said. “Sport on TV has gambling ads plastered all over them, it’s ingrained in everyone’s minds, from kids to adults.”
No one starts life as a gambling addict, but it can have devastating consequences for those who fall into the trap.
Rob Nickle, a gambling counsellor with Mission Australia, said it was a “process addiction” – similar to sex or food addictions – where people find themselves compelled to engage in activities they know to be harmful.
“They’re not clearly understood because there’s no object to be addicted to, but they’re real,” Mr Nickle said.
“There are a few different things that motivate addicts in the first place, it may be a desire to win or a desire to escape from problems – the reality ceases to exist while there’s money in their pocket.”
About 70 per cent of Australians engage in some form of gambling throughout their lives, with more than $20 billion spent on gambling every year. One in six poker machine players will develop some form of gambling addiction.
“It was a no-win situation,” the young man said. “The image they promoted of the winner was appealing, but you just end up chasing the loss.”
- If you or someone you know needs help, call Mission Australia on 6932 7500 or the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858.