"There are more slot machines than McDonald’s"… Australia suffers from gambling addiction

The gambling addiction problem in Australia, famous for having the most slot machines in the world, is escalating into a national crisis. Despite the government's efforts, the number of gambling addicts has risen sharply over the past 10 years due to the overlapping pandemic situation, and more than 1% of the population is suffering from gambling addiction, and it is explained that social problems such as violence and suicide are also increasing as a result.

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 26th (local time), citing a recent study, the number of gamblers has nearly doubled in the past 10 years, and more than 300,000 people are suffering from gambling addiction, and the amount of damage caused by gambling is also maintaining the top level in the world. Gambling addiction itself is a problem, but social problems such as drinking, violence, suicide, and financial crimes are also on the rise.

"There are more slot machine shops than McDonald's," former Australian Senator Nick Xenophon told The Post. Charles Livingston, professor of sociology at Monash University, said: "Australia's gambling spending and its impact on the community are by far the worst in the world."

Australia has the largest gambling market in the world. According to a report published by the Australian state of Queensland, Australians spend AUD 23 billion on gambling each year. Australia, which accounts for only 0.5% of the world's population, owns 20% of the world's slot machines, and while most countries regulate the gambling industry such as casinos, Australia allows gambling in pubs and cafes.

According to Bloomberg News, citing statistics that one Australian dies every day from gambling addiction. According to the Alliance for Gambling Reform, a coalition for gambling industry reform and addiction prevention in Australia, it is estimated that 400 people commit suicide each year due to gambling-related problems in Australia.

Despite these side effects, the government and political circles have rarely succeeded in reforms. In New South Wales, the governor has reportedly been fired after he was sacrificing the industry and promoting reforms that would protect citizens from gambling. There are already many lobby groups and pro-gambling lawmakers who already exert enormous influence in various parts of the political world.

According to Bloomberg, Australian state governments collect about AU$5.8 billion in tax revenue from the gambling industry annually 파칭코. It is an income that the Australian federal government cannot give up. Comparable to the nation's largest lobbying group, the National Rifle Association (NRA), Australia's gambling industry lobbies have been a major supporter of the Cabinet and many other members of the House of Representatives, and have been blocking reforms with their powerful influence.