“We have drug courts for people who engage in criminal activity because of their drug problems and we need to recognise gambling in the same way,” Dr Angela Rintoul, Assoc Prof, Federation University
This presentation examines the often-overlooked issue of gambling addiction within the justice system, contrasting it with well-recognized drug addiction. We will screen a compelling story of a 64 year old woman incarcerated due to gambling-related crime, who was told in court “Your gambling does not possess great weight in the mitigation of your sentence”. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of gambling addiction, and its commonalities with drug and alcohol addictions.
Following the screening, possible alternative approaches within the justice system will be explored, advocating for comprehensive support and rehabilitation strategies for those harmed by gambling, and how this might influence sentencing, similar to in drug courts.