City Libraries, City of Gold Coast

The dark side of the punt, problem gambling, a conflicted government, and the corporate feeding frenzy, Tom McCarthy

eng

no index present

non fiction

The dark side of the punt

Tom McCarthy

problem gambling, a conflicted government, and the corporate feeding frenzy

Gambling is no longer just a harmless pastime; it's a fully fledged killer. Problem gamblers are resorting to crime and suicide as a result of their compulsion, and former commercial lawyer and 'The Age' newspaper contributor, Tom McCarthy, takes a brave look at whether Australia is doing enough to prevent the ensuing devastation. In doing so, McCarthy deconstructs the industry to analyse the role of the gambling companies, the banks, the media, the Courts, and the governments, and determines which facet is most blameworthy for the current epidemic. McCarthy also refracts the damning statistics of this rampant industry through his own personal story, as well as that of various problem gamblers whose lives have been turned upside down by their respective gambling plights. In his quest for answers, McCarthy confers with the notorious anti-gambling crusader, the Reverend Tim Costello; prominent Victorian criminal lawyer, Bernie Balmer; and a former commercial bookmaker employee. The Dark Side of the Punt reveals gambling as firmly entrenched not only in our cultural psyche, but also our economy. Find out why, at least for the foreseeable future, problem gamblers -- both made and potential -- face a steep uphill battle. The book also contains a practical guide on how to stop, and accordingly, acts as an invaluable resource for problem gamblers (and friends and family), teachers and welfare workers, alike

adult