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Please Gamble Irresponsibly: The Rise, Fall and Rise of Sports Gambling in Australia
Australians lose more money gambling than any other country. But how did we get here? In his inimitable, hilarious style, sports historian Titus O’Reily charts the rise, fall and rise of sport gambling in Australia.
We’ll gamble on anything, from two flies crawling up a wall to less important things like federal elections. And thanks to the internet, phones and gambling-tax loving governments, these days Australians can indulge their love of a punt no matter what they’re doing. Aussies could be at the birth of a child or performing open-heart surgery and still put a bet on.
It wasn’t always this easy. Once, you could only gamble on sport illegally. Which, it turns out, was actually also pretty easy. But over the last thirty years gambling on sport has been legalised, first slowly and then very quickly. Now almost every ad on TV is about sport betting, and even some of the players are getting in on the wagering.
Please, Gamble Irresponsibly traces the history of gambling in Australia from horseracing in the colonial era, through the rise of SP bookies and organised crime, to the commercialisation of the industry and its impact on communities and the integrity of sport. With billions of dollars involved, what are the odds of putting the genie back in the bottle?
We’ll gamble on anything, from two flies crawling up a wall to less important things like federal elections. And thanks to the internet, phones and gambling-tax loving governments, these days Australians can indulge their love of a punt no matter what they’re doing. Aussies could be at the birth of a child or performing open-heart surgery and still put a bet on.
It wasn’t always this easy. Once, you could only gamble on sport illegally. Which, it turns out, was actually also pretty easy. But over the last thirty years gambling on sport has been legalised, first slowly and then very quickly. Now almost every ad on TV is about sport betting, and even some of the players are getting in on the wagering.
Please, Gamble Irresponsibly traces the history of gambling in Australia from horseracing in the colonial era, through the rise of SP bookies and organised crime, to the commercialisation of the industry and its impact on communities and the integrity of sport. With billions of dollars involved, what are the odds of putting the genie back in the bottle?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2019
11 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 17, 2021
Really interesting read
March 14, 2025
Fascinating read on the history of sports gambling in Australia by sports comedian Titus O’Reilly on how it became the all pervading industry we see today.
In turn he highlights the reliance on tax revenue by state governments and sponsorship dollars by elite Australian sporting bodies which has meant that something once regarded as “sinful “ is now a big part of the media landscape in this country.
He also takes a look at problem gambling, what that looks like and what effects it has on families and broader society.
In turn he highlights the reliance on tax revenue by state governments and sponsorship dollars by elite Australian sporting bodies which has meant that something once regarded as “sinful “ is now a big part of the media landscape in this country.
He also takes a look at problem gambling, what that looks like and what effects it has on families and broader society.
March 17, 2020
Australia has a prevalence of gambling options. How did we come to be here ? Was it always the same ? What drove it and what are the outcomes of being able to wager 24/7, 365 days a year via multiple options available pretty much everywhere ?
Titus’s previous books covered sport and those who play it. This covers sports betting. For a self declared “e grade blogger” that might be a stretch, however the outcome is a highly engaging and well written account in an easy to read format.
As with past books there are thoughtful insights, contemplative statements and excellent social observations. Humor? It still exists, however he has lost his touch slightly as it took until the end of the second paragraph to draw a chuckle from this reader.
I’ll wager you will find it difficult not to think about and put down. 7/4 on you’ll enjoy it.
Titus’s previous books covered sport and those who play it. This covers sports betting. For a self declared “e grade blogger” that might be a stretch, however the outcome is a highly engaging and well written account in an easy to read format.
As with past books there are thoughtful insights, contemplative statements and excellent social observations. Humor? It still exists, however he has lost his touch slightly as it took until the end of the second paragraph to draw a chuckle from this reader.
I’ll wager you will find it difficult not to think about and put down. 7/4 on you’ll enjoy it.
July 14, 2023
Enjoyable and educational read. Probably only of interest to Australians but brought back to mind a lot of relatively recent history of corruption and changes in government and the betting industry.
February 14, 2020
Full Disclosure: I like Titus O'Reilly, he's about my age, he's just as sad a sports tragic as myself, he supports a team known more for heartbreak than joy and he's incredibly sarcastic about the whole thing.
As for this book, it's definitely not for everyone but I learnt stuff, and despite being mostly horse racing, there were still enough Collingwood jokes to keep me happy.
Not as good as A Sporting Chance but if you like sarcastic left-wing Australian sporting humour then I'd recommend this as a nice companion.
As for this book, it's definitely not for everyone but I learnt stuff, and despite being mostly horse racing, there were still enough Collingwood jokes to keep me happy.
Not as good as A Sporting Chance but if you like sarcastic left-wing Australian sporting humour then I'd recommend this as a nice companion.
December 6, 2020
A look at the historic struggles over sports betting in Australia, the open class warfare that has dominated it and the governments who have repeatedly succeeded in making the problems it causes worse. Not as funny as Titus' other books, but much more thought provoking.
June 8, 2020
Cracking read. John Wren sounds like a bloke i'd like to have as a friend 🤓
April 22, 2022
Enjoyable read of an industries outrageous rise of influence, hypocrisy of politics surrounding it and the conglomerates that are winning the day.
January 22, 2024
Recently, I had the pleasure of diving into Titus O'Reily's "Please, Gamble Irresponsibly: The Rise, Fall and Rise of Sport Gambling in Australia," and I must say, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening experience. O'Reily's wit and humor shine through as he navigates the intricate landscape of sports gambling in Australia, weaving a narrative that effortlessly blends entertainment with insightful commentary.
One of the book's standout qualities is O'Reily's ability to make a complex and potentially dry subject engaging for a broad audience. His sharp wit and comedic timing inject a delightful levity into the narrative, making what could be a heavy exploration of gambling culture accessible and entertaining. O'Reily has a knack for turning seemingly mundane details into comedic gold, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish.
Beyond the humor, O'Reily exhibits a keen understanding of the historical and cultural aspects of sports gambling in Australia. The book delves into the rise, fall, and subsequent resurgence of this phenomenon, providing a comprehensive and well-researched overview. O'Reily masterfully balances the serious implications of gambling with his trademark humor, creating a narrative that educates without becoming overly didactic.
What sets "Please, Gamble Irresponsibly" apart is O'Reily's unique voice and perspective. As a satirical sports commentator, he brings a fresh and irreverent approach to a topic that often carries a stigma. This perspective not only adds entertainment value but also allows readers to reflect on the broader societal implications of sports gambling.
Moreover, O'Reily manages to humanize the subject matter by weaving in personal anecdotes and stories, creating a connection between the reader and the broader context of sports gambling. This personal touch adds depth to the narrative, making it relatable and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, "Please, Gamble Irresponsibly" is a delightful and informative read that skillfully tackles the multifaceted world of sports gambling in Australia. Titus O'Reily's wit, humor, and insightful commentary make this book a standout in its genre, appealing to both avid sports fans and those interested in a well-crafted exploration of a cultural phenomenon. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an engaging, thought-provoking, and entertaining read.
One of the book's standout qualities is O'Reily's ability to make a complex and potentially dry subject engaging for a broad audience. His sharp wit and comedic timing inject a delightful levity into the narrative, making what could be a heavy exploration of gambling culture accessible and entertaining. O'Reily has a knack for turning seemingly mundane details into comedic gold, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish.
Beyond the humor, O'Reily exhibits a keen understanding of the historical and cultural aspects of sports gambling in Australia. The book delves into the rise, fall, and subsequent resurgence of this phenomenon, providing a comprehensive and well-researched overview. O'Reily masterfully balances the serious implications of gambling with his trademark humor, creating a narrative that educates without becoming overly didactic.
What sets "Please, Gamble Irresponsibly" apart is O'Reily's unique voice and perspective. As a satirical sports commentator, he brings a fresh and irreverent approach to a topic that often carries a stigma. This perspective not only adds entertainment value but also allows readers to reflect on the broader societal implications of sports gambling.
Moreover, O'Reily manages to humanize the subject matter by weaving in personal anecdotes and stories, creating a connection between the reader and the broader context of sports gambling. This personal touch adds depth to the narrative, making it relatable and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, "Please, Gamble Irresponsibly" is a delightful and informative read that skillfully tackles the multifaceted world of sports gambling in Australia. Titus O'Reily's wit, humor, and insightful commentary make this book a standout in its genre, appealing to both avid sports fans and those interested in a well-crafted exploration of a cultural phenomenon. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an engaging, thought-provoking, and entertaining read.
July 7, 2021
Found the older historic stuff a bit boring and dragged on a bit. Really enjoyed the more modern stuff but that might just be me. Not as good as Cheat
April 25, 2020
Whilst the book is called”Please Gamble Irresponsibility “, it really only focuses on horse racing.It is full of anecdotes and is interesting in sections. Overall a light read which really is about anti gambling. Probably 2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews