Blow Up The Pokies - Gambling affects more than just the gambler

Many Australians will know of the band The Whitlams, their biggest hit being "No Aphrodisiac" a few years ago. Many of you will also know of their top 40 hit in 2000, "Blow Up The Pokies."

As someone who is not a big fan, (but I don't mind their music) or someone that needs to know the words to every song, I always assumed this song was about the removal of live music from local hotels and clubs throughout Australia. These spaces were almost always used for gaming rooms filled with poker machines.

However today I learned (many others probably already knew) that "Blow Up The Pokies" tells of lead singer and songwriter, Tim Freedman's view on the problem gambling of someone close to him, former Whitlams' bass guitarist, Andy Lewis. Lewis who left the band in 1995, commited suicide to escape his gambling problems in 2000, just before the single was released.

Learning this, I decided to take a look at the lyrics of the song. They tell an amazingly familiar and accurate picture of what its like to know someone with a gambling problem. So many people are affected - partners, children, friends. It also mentions how helpless people can feel when they are stuck in the cycle of problem gambling.

It also makes comment on why we have legal gambling. Governments encouraged gambling and share in the profits, they need to do more to prevent harm and to take care of those experiencing harm.

If there is one thing I can say is that if you find yourself in this situation whether you are the gambler, or affected by one, seek help. No gambling problem is worth losing your life over, and it is something that can be conquered. It is also something that you don't need to fight alone.

Tim Freedman may want to blow up the pokies, but first we need to save the people inside.

GG