The decision to project a horse-race ad on the Sydney Opera House has triggered a huge backlash. It’s a reminder of why we should all be protesting against the effects of late capitalism
Australia is the gambling capital of the developed world: its citizens lose far more per capita on this addictive habit than those of any other industrialised nation; a fifth of the world’s poker machines are based there. The consequences can be life-ruining. Almost 200,000 Australians are afflicted by problem gambling: from placing unbearable stress on relationships to financial hardship to mental distress. Indeed, it is estimated that there are more than 400 suicides linked to gambling a year.
Little wonder, then, that the decision to project the barrier draw for the Everest horse race on to the Sydney Opera House has provoked such backlash with protesters using torches to interfere with the projection, yelling: “Not for sale.” After all, this is a public building being used to advertise an industry that already has an excessive hold over Australia.
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