Gambling the safe way

By Kath Gannaway
Sharing a coffee with Yarra Ranges’ mayor Len Cox, he concedes the whole Beechworth Bakery thing was a bit of a gamble.
But, one that paid off … and, he would argue, it was a responsible gamble.
Mr O’Toole was visiting Healesville in his role as a Responsible Gambling Awareness Week Ambassador.
The week dedicated to raising awareness of the need for people to take responsibility for their gambling actions is a joint initiative of the gambling industry, the community sector and the Victorian Government.
“Life’s a gamble, getting out of bed’s a gamble, every time I get in a car and drive out onto the road it’s a gamble,” he says.
“It’s about being responsible and for most people it’s about entertainment, about setting limits and keeping to them.”
He tells a lovely story of his dad and the enjoyment he got from his weekly 10-bob wager on the horses. His re-enactment of his dad riding home his ‘hopeful’ to the race call on the radio is something which many baby-boomers will relate to.
“It’s about having fun and setting limits,” he said.
“My dad got so much fun, so much entertainment out of his Saturday 10-bob bet.”
The elephant in the room – something he candidly says he doesn’t know a lot about – is problem gamblers.
He said problem gamblers represent a very small percentage of gamblers and like over-eating, drinking and so many other things, they make choices.
“People know the odds of their winning,” he said and points out that Crown Casino was not built on the winnings of the masses.
Cr Len Cox is not a gambler either – except, he says when he puts up his bond to run for council. His return on his money is, so far, way and above the average of even responsible gamblers.
He says the shire’s stand is that they are against any increase in the number of gaming machines in the shire.
He does support the responsible gambling message however.
“If people want to gamble they should set a limit.
“Irresponsible gambling does cause a lot of pain in the community; does break up marriages, does hurt families, does result in people not being able to pay their mortgages or buy proper food for their families, and that’s a serious position,” Cr Cox said.
He urged people to set limits that they can afford to lose.
“If it’s costing you more than money – walk away,” he said.
Gambler’s Help – Eastern Metro offers a free service for gamblers, families and friends. Phone 1300 131 973.