Australia in thrall of gambling mania

Australia in thrall of gambling mania
Nick Bryant
BBC News, Sydney


It is the world record of which Australia is least proud: More than 80% of its adult population gambles, the highest rate on the planet.

From the Melbourne Cup - the horse race that stops the nation - to 'pokie' machines in the pubs, clubs and branches of the Returned and Services Leagues and the bookmakers (or the TAB as it is known here) and in bars - it is everywhere.

As one reformed gambler put it to me, Australians would even place a bet on two flies climbing up a wall.

For many, the jingles and electronic clatter of the "pokies" have become just as quintessentially Australian sounds as the call of a kookaburra.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6313083.stm

I wish 80% of americans gambled!!!

I work in casino and I feel that not enough people in the United States like to gamble or there are quit a few. Gambling provides a lot of jobs for the money that is spent in the casinos.

Also provides higher bankrupt and suicide rates.

Some jobs add and some jobs take from society

The casino business gives back very little except to shareholders and employees. Perhaps Nevada is the exception because there would be few people and fewer jobs in the state without casinos.

ihate17

There's enough.