Thinking Out LoudI have campaigned for gambling reform for over 30 years but there have been few wins. Australians are the world’s biggest losers when it comes to gambling – $31 billion each year.
It is frustrating and shameful that it has now been 1000 days since the Murphy report recommended a total ban on gambling ads. The Federal government refuses to even respond. And it does get personal. My own kids once asked, “Dad, is there any campaign you have ever won?”
What keeps me going are my regular visits to Gamblers Help meetings. I attended one last week to celebrate a friend going 365 days without gambling. She wanted me there to celebrate her milestone.
These meetings have a set ritual, modelled off Alcoholics Anonymous. They always begin by reading the Twelve Steps. Each person shares their name and confesses “I am an addict” before naming the number of days, weeks or years they haven’t gambled. Last week’s meeting finished with everyone joyously eating a magnificent celebratory cake. There were tears, hugs, and rich fellowship.
Historically, this Twelve Step program was devised by Christians. It is built upon foundational Christian principles of confessing to one another and acknowledging our need for grace. And the theology behind the program is sophisticated. I must give up the delusion that I can control my addiction (the opposite to the “gamble responsibly” slogan) and I must hand myself over to God or a higher power.
As a pastor I am always blown away by the honesty and vulnerability in these groups. I often think, if only the church could be this honest. I am usually close to tears just listening to the pain and tasting the hope and encouragement the group offers to its members.
It’s what keeps me going, despite everything.
This Thinking Out Loud was first published on Facebook.