Dr Charles Livingstone – Assoc Prof, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash
Charles is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University. His principal research interests are in gambling as a public health issue, social theory of gambling, ethics of gambling research and reform of gambling regulation.
He joins Paul and Kenny to discuss the extent of the gambling problem in Australia and what can be done about it.
Listeners who are concerned about their own problems with gambling – or on behalf of a friend of family member are encouraged to reach out to the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au for support.
Charles’s latest article ‘is a 6 point plan to ease gambling problems in Australia.
“Wagering (betting on sport, racing and even elections), is now mainly online, and reaps another $8.4 billion in Australia. This is the fastest growing gambling sector, with growth, adjusted for inflation, of more than 45% between 2018-19 and 2022-23.Pokies grew by a more modest 7.6% during the same period. Only casinos went backwards.
Overall, gambling costs Australians more than $32 billion annually.
This has been fuelled by relentless promotion and marketing and the expansion of the gambling ecosystem: the network of commercial actors who reap a major dividend from gambling losses.
It includes the bookies, pub and club chains as well as sporting leagues, financial services providers, software and game developers, charitable organisations, broadcasters, and state and territory governments”.
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