Michael was just 17 when he placed his first bet on a horse race.
Key points:
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The federal government is considering reforms to online gambling
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A parliamentary inquiry has recommended a complete ban on gambling advertising within three years
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A regional Queensland man says the accessibility of gambling through apps and advertising make it difficult for people trying to quit
Decades of addiction and heartbreak followed; he was declared bankrupt at 21, faced relationship breakdowns, and hit “rock bottom”.
“Straightaway I was pretty much hooked, I loved the excitement and the euphoria about it,” he said.
Michael, who wanted to remain anonymous to protect his identity at work, spent 20 years addicted to gambling, particularly sports betting.
Now 45,…
