Key Points
- The federal government’s BetStop register has been used by 18,000 Australians in its first six months.
- It is being predominantly used by Australians men aged under 40.
- A former gambler told SBS News how he kicked the habit after losing $400,000.
He shared his experience with SBS News.
How did you first start gambling?
Gus started going to the TAB when he was 16 and predominantly gambled while watching sport or racing, with the latter providing a “quicker rush as they take place in Australia every two or three minutes”.
How often were you gambling at the height of your addiction?
“Every day. The amount varied, but it wouldn’t be unusual to blow $600.”
How did gambling make you feel?
“Obviously, a big part of how you feel is remorse and sadness when you’ve lost a barrel of money, but until then you’re really giddy with that serotonin pumping.”
How much did you lose?
Over 12 years Gus says he lost over $400,000.
Did you gamble alone or with friends?
“You try to hide it, on the phone in the bathroom or alone at a pokie venue late at night.”
The government said it expected an uptake in young Australians, particularly men, signing up for the register. Credit: RgStudio/Getty Images
How many times did you try to quit?
“So there would’ve been hundreds of times I tried to quit that lasted a few days or a few months, but I invariably came back.”
Why did you stop for good?
“You seek help and create that support network. You don’t want to let those people down.”
What do you wish people knew about gambling?
“It’s really serious and isolating, the lack of empathy around it is unfortunately why so many people want to take their own lives.
“Also the misconception that it’s easy to quit. It takes a lot of support and it shouldn’t be seen as a blemish on someone’s character but rather an illness that they’re unfortunate to have.”
Do you think the government needs to do more to tackle gambling?
“I would say that there’s no room for gambling advertisements here in Australia.
“It’s absurd that something that is such a plague on our society is allowed to get so much airtime on television, particularly during live sport when a lot of children are watching.”