Problem gambling’s curse strengthens its hold on individuals and the nation – Sydney Morning Herald

Matt Torcasio has quit gambling with the help of girlfriend Lauren Britt and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. Photo: Justin McManus Matt Torcasio was an 18-year-old apprentice plumber when he started sinking his weekly pay packet into the pokies, online sports betting and trackside at the horse races. There were some early big wins a…

Atlantic City’s Road Out of Distress Clouded by State’s Control – Bloomberg

Bond investors are calling New Jerseys actions to control Atlantic Citys teetering finances bizarre and confusing as the mayor says bankruptcy may be its best option. In just the past week, theres been a flurry of moves: –Governor Chris Christie rejecting measures that would have kept Atlantic City solvent past April, even after Democrats made changes…

Chinese accuse graft suspect of funnelling cash into Sydney property – The Australian Financial Review

Li Ruohong, former chief of the Guangdong Development Corporation who has been accused of corruptly moving money to Australia by the Chinese government. Supplied  The former chairman of a Chinese bank is being investigated for taking “huge bribes”, which allegedly funded the purchase of two Australian properties and enabled a transfer of $6 million to…

Mitch Hooke has been recognised for his work in the mining industry. Photo: Sean Davey – Sydney Morning Herald

Mitch Hooke has been recognised for his work in the mining industry. Photo: Sean Davey Mitch Hooke, the man who spearheaded the campaign to derail Keven Rudd’s mining tax – and helped kill the Labor leader’s prime ministership – has received top honours on this Australia Day for his services to the mining industry.  In 2013, Hooke…

More people seeking help from gambling addiction services in Christchurch – The Press

STACY SQUIRES/FAIRFAX NZ Familial Trust founder and manager Karen Watson understands better than most the wide-spread and devastating mental health implications of living with an addict. Lonely rebuild workers, residents suffering post-quake stress and families struggling with Christmas bills are contributing to a spike in people seeking help for gambling addictions this summer.  The Problem…