How Australians became the world’s biggest gamblers
The prevalence of slot machines – known as pokies – in pubs and clubs across the country and betting on sport has created a culture of wagering
It is a quiet night in Fairfield, in Sydney’s western suburbs. Inside a small brick building, a dozen Gamblers Anonymous members help themselves to coffee, tea and miniature meat pies. The meeting is taking place in a suburb that has one of the city’s lowest median incomes, and highest levels of gambling losses. A fifth of the state of New South Wales’s 25 most profitable gaming clubs are here, according to government data.
One of these clubs, Fairfield Returned and Services League (RSL), is just a two-minute walk away. It is a building totally at odds with the modest apartment blocks and shabby train station nearby. A pedestrian walkway inside is lined with palms and ferns, it has an elaborate fountain, a grand lobby. It seems incongruous, that is, until you realise that its surroundings are its blood supply. Inside the club, just out of view of the street, are hundreds of gaming machines. Fairfield RSL and Clubs Australia did not respond to requests for comment.
Continue reading...Date: |
-
The New York Times - World
How Rituals of Faith Became Another Casualty of War
Though the devout pursue their faith despite all obstacles, most sense of celebration was stripped of the region’s three religions since the Oct. 7 attacks and Gaza war.7 hours ago -
ABC News - Top stories
WATCH: Rhino calf brings joy to Australian zoo
A rhino calf born recently at an Australian zoo was given the name "Jabulani," a Zulu word meaning for "rejoice."Yesterday -
CBS News - Top stories
Woman became lost in Colorado while trying to tell others she was OK
A British Columbia woman seeking spiritual insight through "ego death" during a solo venture into the Colorado backcountry lacked basic navigation skills and was not properly outfitted for ...17 hours ago -
BBC News - Top stories
Littler wins maiden World Series of Darts Finals
Luke Littler comfortably beats Michael Smith 11-4 to claim his maiden World Series of Darts Finals title in Amsterdam.21 hours ago - MLB -
Yahoo News - World
China’s Fading Hunger for Grain Spells Trouble for World Farmers
17 hours ago - China -
BBC News - Top stories
UN Gaza aid chief: World is failing innocent civilians
Sigrid Kaag tells the BBC the crisis in Gaza is a “catastrophe” as fighting between Israel and Hamas continues.14 hours ago - United Nations -
CNBC - Business
It's a big week for central banks around the world, with a slew of rate moves on the table
The Federal Reserve's highly anticipated two-day meeting, which gets underway on Tuesday, is poised to take center stage.4 hours ago -
Yahoo News - World
World's oldest living person honored on Respect for the Aged Day
3 hours ago -
NBC News - Top stories
'Shogun' nabs four biggest Emmy awards, 'Hacks' wins best comedy
The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards return to ABC. This year's awards will be hosted by father-son duo Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, of "Schitt's Creek."23 hours ago -
ESPN - Sports
10 biggest risk/reward players in drafts
Andre Snellings pinpoints the big-name players who could determine if you win -- or lose -- your league.24 minutes ago
More from The Guardian
-
The Guardian - World
Sheriff’s office shares video of suspect arrest; FBI says suspect spent 12 hours in tree line of Trump golf club – live
Video posted to Facebook shows the arrest of the man suspected in the apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump; FBI releases details on manhunt. Suspect charged as Trump accuses Biden and ...22 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
The Guardian - World
Death toll reaches 16 as ‘dramatic’ flooding in central Europe continues
Czech Republic, Poland and Austria fear worst may yet be to come as thousands are evacuated to higher ground. The death toll from torrential rain and flooding in central and eastern Europe has ...1 hour ago -
The Guardian - World
At least 16 killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, Palestinian officials say
Five women and four children said to be among dead with strike hitting residential building in crowded Nuseirat camp. Middle East crisis – latest news updates At least 16 people have been ...2 hours ago - Israel -
The Guardian - World
French rape trial to resume after Dominique Pélicot health alarm
Trial of retired electrician, 71, and 50 other men had been adjourned while he was taken to hospitals for tests. The trial of Dominique Pélicot and 50 other men accused of rape will resume on ...34 minutes ago - France -
The Guardian - World
More than 200 inmates escape Nigerian prison in aftermath of flooding
Prisoners fled when the walls of their jail collapsed in the country’s worst flooding in two decades. More than 200 inmates escaped from a prison in north-east Nigeria in the aftermath of the ...1 hour ago