Australia: the worst players in the world

101 East investigates the battle to curb Australia’s addiction to poker machines.

Australians are the biggest gamblers in the world, losing $25 billion a year. And poker machines are his preferred choice of poison.

Despite its relatively small population, the country is home to 20 percent of the world’s slot machines, as the machines are known locally, with most found in pubs and community clubs.

Gambling causes widespread social destruction, but it has proven extremely difficult to take on the vested interests behind an industry that generates billions in profits and taxes.

Now, after decades of failure, state governments are fighting back.

101 East investigates Australia’s battle against gambling addiction.