Responsible gambling - Consumer Affairs Victoria

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A1
Wanna bet? Why do people gamble?
GAMBLER’S HELP LINE
18
Responsible Gambling | Section A: What’s the big deal?
Consumer Affairs Victoria | consumer.vic.gov.au
Which of the reasons for gambling do you think might be attractive to young people? Compare
your answers with a partner.
How do you respond to messages in advertising?
Exercise 2 – Craig’s story
Read the following case study, from research done by the Office for Liquor, Gaming and Racing
in NSW:
Craig was taken to the trots from about 4 years of age onwards, along with little friends the same
age. His friend’s parents were horse owners and the families were friends and regularly went together.
The kids enjoyed it and it was fun being with the families and doing something different. His Nan
took him to Bingo with her from about 6 years of age. He stopped doing that at around 10 because it
was too ‘sissy’. His Nan bought him Scratchies as presents from about 6 years old onwards. His primary
school organized football betting for fundraising and this was a regular occurrence between
about 8 – 11 years old. There were also raffles and Melbourne Cup sweeps organized by the school/
teachers. By about 12 – 13 years of age, he would go to the local club after hockey practice with the
adults where he would join them in playing the pokies – nobody every questioned it. By the time he
was in high school he was going to the dog races in Dubbo almost every weekend placing his own
bets…with the local bookies. Now at 16, he bets regularly on horses and dogs. His Nan now buys
him Lotto tickets using her Lotto registration card.
a) What were the main influences on Craig becoming a regular gambler by age 16?
b) With a partner, discuss what role gambling, if any, plays in the lives of friends and family that
you know.
1800 858 858 www.problemgambling.vic.gov.au