1. Poker Machine Addiction in Australia Kirsten Mustica | S00179258

2. What is a Poker Machine?  A poker machine is otherwise known as a slot machine.  The machine requires coins to operate where the aim is to align the same symbols to receive a payoff.  There are two types of poker machines: 1. The traditional machine requires a handle to be drawn for the symbol wheels to begin spinning. 2. With technological advancements, the machines have become digital and operate with a press of a button or can be accessed online.

3. Gambling: An Addiction? Click on the image to watch the documentary (Phillips & Lovering, 2008).  Poker machines are a popular form of gambling as there is the immediate payoff and the possibility of smaller rewards more frequently.  The feeling of low level arousal is seen as a form of self medicating to make people feel emotionally ‘normal’. The idea of self medicating implies more gambling to sustain the ‘normative’ emotions and thus one looses control and ability to self regulate.

4. The Impact.  1 in 6 people who play poker machines have an addiction. The wins affect the play rate of the individual for up to three minutes (Commonwealth of Australia, 2015; Dickerson et al, 1992).  Annual loses have expanded exponentially in Australia to total over $12 billion dollars. Individually an average of $12 000 per person, per year that otherwise could have paid bills, paid the mortgage or been spent on the family (Commonwealth of Australia, 2015; Hing, 2002).  Poker machine addiction causes unethical harm and stereotyped behaviours from epistemic issues that reshape the views and belief system of the addict (Doughney, 2006; Delfabbro, 1999; Hing, 2002).

5. Video: NRL Player Nathan Hindmarsh Click on the image to watch the interview. Identify behaviour, emotions and cognitive processes of an addict. (Dickerson et al, 1992). Outline the importance for Hindmarsh sharing his experience? Explore the struggles and meaning of “out of control.” Discuss the issue of loss relating to addiction include: financial, family and the individual.

6. “THE ACTIONS OF ONE PROBLEM GAMBLER NEGATIVELY IMPACTS THE LIVES OF BETWEEN FIVE AND 10 OTHERS. THIS MEANS THERE ARE UP TO FIVE MILLION AUSTRALIANS WHO COULD BE AFFECTED BY PROBLEM GAMBLING EACH YEAR, INCLUDING FRIENDS, FAMILY AND EMPLOYERS OF PEOPLE WITH A GAMBLING PROBLEM.” (Commonwealth of Australia, 2015)

7. HELP! Click on the image of Peter to watch him speak of the help he offers.  “…it’s a phone call away. It really is that simple. And for me, once that phone call is made, that recovery process has already started.” – Peter Beamish, CatholicCare Social Services. Phone 1800 858 858

8. Consider… Should poker machines be banned in Australia? How would the family and friends of those addicted feel emotionally and cognitively (Dickerson et al, 1992). How should poker machines be marketed and managed (Hing, 2002)? In what ways can education help to make ethical decisions?

9. Watch…  Gabriela- Perspective of Recovered Individual.  Peter- Perspective of an affected family member.  Thomas- Perspective of Recovered Individual Helping Others. Click on the images to access the embedded videos.

10. References Commonwealth of Australia. (2015). Problem Gambling. Retrieved April 2015 from: http://www.problemgambling.gov.au http://www.problemgambling.gov.au Delfabbro. P.H, Winefield. A.H. (1999). Poker machine gambling: An ananlysis of within session characteristics. British Journal of Psychology, 90, 425- 439. Department of Social Services. (2011). Problem Gambling- Gabriela Byrne. Retrieved April 2015 from: https://youtu.be/OSg3WuHDhEc https://youtu.be/OSg3WuHDhEc Department of Social Services. (2011). Problem Gambling- Peter. Retrieved April 2015 from: https://youtu.be/iQp0B8hm764 https://youtu.be/iQp0B8hm764 Department of Social Services. (2011). Problem Gambling- Peter Byrne. Retrieved April 2015 from: https://youtu.be/wSewJd7E-_M https://youtu.be/wSewJd7E-_M Department of Social Services. (2011). Problem Gambling- Thomas. Retrieved April 2015 from: https://youtu.be/L1IlQ419vSs https://youtu.be/L1IlQ419vSs Dickerson, M. et al. (1992). On the determinants of persistent gambling behaviour, high-frequency poker machine players. British Journal of Psychology, 83, 237- 248. Doughney, James. (2006). The poker machine state in Australia: A consideration of ethical and policy issues. International Journal of Mental Health and Addication, 4 (4), 351-368. Hing, N. (2002). The emergence of problem gambling as a corporate social issue in Australia. International Gambling Studies, 2 (1), 101-122. Lifeline Australia. (2010). Problem Gambling. Retrieved April 2015 from: https://www.lifeline.org.au/Get- Help/Facts---Information/Problem-Gambling/Problem-Gamblinghttps://www.lifeline.org.au/Get- Help/Facts---Information/Problem-Gambling/Problem-Gambling Phillips. G & Lovering. M. (2008). Catalyst Gambling. Retrieved April 2015 from: http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2386227.htm http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2386227.htm 7News. (2012). 7News- Exclusive Hindmarsh’s secret pokie habit. Retrieved April 2015 from: https://youtu.be/zXkcSblRzLA https://youtu.be/zXkcSblRzLA