What’s behind the game?

Published on 11 November 2024

Frankston local Ken Wolfe knows all too well how gambling can take hold. As a teenager, his sporting talent meant he was playing seniors cricket and footy at 15. The older boys who gave him a ride to games always drove via the TAB to place a bet. The talk of winning $1,000 made an impression on Ken — it sounded glamorous. Soon, he was betting and losing all his pocket money every week.

Gambling Harm Awareness Week, held from 18 to 24 November 2024, aims to raise awareness of the impact of gambling harm on individuals, families, and communities. To help remove the stigma, Ken is sharing his story.

After high school, Ken spent 18 years in the police force, eventually becoming a sergeant, but with a secret. He was losing over half his wages to gambling each week. Gambling came before everything, even shoes for his kids at times. The shame eventually led him to leave the job he loved for a public service role. But his gambling continued — sneaking off to the pub at lunchtime to gamble. It escalated, and he succumbed to bribes, which led to his arrest and jail time.

As painful as it was being on the other side of the desk in an interview room, Ken admitted his problem to the police. “The relief I felt was unbelievable. No one knew the extent of my addiction,” he said. “I took the prison sentence on the chin and spent a lot of time reflecting. It wasn’t easy, but I haven’t had a bet since the day I was arrested in 2010.”

There are nine Electronic Gaming Machine (pokies) venues in Frankston City where 519 machines absorb a massive $180,260 daily — over $65 million annually in gambling losses. Australia’s total gambling losses amount to $25 billion each year, the largest per capita in the world. This shows how widespread gambling harm is. Despite the daunting figures, Ken wants people to know there is hope. “Getting help can start with telling someone you trust. But choose carefully, and start talking,” he advises.

Thank you to Gamblers Help Southern and Better Health Network for supporting Ken to share his story. If you or someone you know is experiencing harm from gambling, Gambler's Help Southern offers free and confidential support for anyone affected by gambling, including family and friends. Call 9575 5353 or email: ghs.intake@bhn.org.au or visit gamblershelpsouthern.org.au