READER FEEDBACK

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Mind You columnist Nick Bennett wrote last week about what he says is the insidious downside to the Melbourne Cup.

He argues the event helps normalise gambling.

Some readers left their comments online. OKFRED, OF COFFS HARBOUR: Three of the four major parties support clubs and casinos, only the Greens recognise the damage. SICKTODEATHOFIDIOTS, OF URRAWEEN: Melbourne Cup is synonymous with consuming copious amounts of alcohol.

A matter you have dismissed as normal in this leftist option piece of yours. Alcohol has a $36 billion cost to Australia every year, causes considerably more suicides and family issues than a punt on Melbourne Cup. If you’re going to try and indoctrinate your readers into the insidious gambling industry, don’t miss the elephant in the room standing in front of this so-called gambling monster. UNCLE: I went with friends to Doomben on Cup Day. Never again.

What started as a classier affair in their corporate tent was all fine and good ‘til the champers had flowed – too much for some, or most. The Cup ran and it was all over with a thud as folks tried in vain to exit the event. Desperate Mums offering ANYTHING to anyone who could get them out the gate so they could go and collect their kids from school on time, regardless of their state of undress and intoxication.

It was a sordid study of the lows of our society’s behaviour.

Never again. ROBERT, OF COLLINGWOOD PARK: Betting is an irresponsible form of gambling, so saying “gamble responsibly’’ means the opposite. Sheer stupidity.

Fellow columnist Sue Clohesy had the opposite view in her Mum’s the Word piece. She allows her children to place a bet on the big race.

This is what a couple of readers had to say in response. JONC101, OF BALLINA: No, don’t introduce kids to gambling in any form.

JANBAM, OF ROCKHAMPTON: It’s more about horses being run with whips until their noses bleed that worries me, more than the gambling aspect.

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