In 2004-05 Australians overall gambled $142 billion in turnover of which 72% was on gambling machines (pokies).Of course, the (predominantly Labor) State governments are largely to blame for this orgy of self-destruction, but it would not have been possible without Canberra's acquiescence. Funny how Howard doesn't want to make this part of the War On The States, innit?
And the ultimate irony is that the punters are now desperately trying to recoup their losses by betting on a Howard loss!
