Aus: Health expert warns of online gambling dangers

A leading health professional in Australia has warned of the dangers of online gambling during the lockdown as the industry booms.

Australia.- A leading health professional in Australia has warned of the dangers of online gambling during lockdown after the number of people gambling online increased dramatically.

Overall spending on online gambling increased 67 per cent in the first week of April in Australia, according to analytics group AlphaBeta.

It comes at a time where much of the country is under lockdown measures to help curb the spread of Coronavirus.

A health doctor in addiction problems has called for the Australian government to act more on online gambling firms encouraging people to bet digitally during the period of lockdown.

Ballarat Community Health doctor, Deb Greenslade, said: “We know these are very difficult times and uncertain times…People are home and looking for things to distract them.

“The last thing they need at this time is for online gambling companies to exploit them.

“If people are in isolation and taking stock of their lives, they may consider whether they want to go back to pokie machines at all. Now might be a good opportunity to get support.”

Most major sports have been cancelled or suspended, except many horse racing events.

Novelty markets have been opening up including what colour tie Prime Minister Scott Morrison will wear each day during his press briefings.