Is there any other country that comes to a halt to watch a horse race? Are there other countries where three generations of people file down to the TAB to put their money on a horse they know nothing about?

While we are not alone in our love of horse-racing, lotto and footy tipping, it is definitely part of the Australian culture.

And it is a lot of fun.

The problem comes, of course, when it ceases to be fun and becomes a threat to your income, your home and your family.

The federal government tells us that one in six people who regularly plays the pokies has a serious addiction.

We have all seen or know those people who are so serious about their poker machine time that it is scheduled in to their routines. There are people who no longer feel the thrill of a win, but only the desperation of small wins that are just not big enough.

And throwing more money at the problem just digs a deeper hole.

In Australia, gambling has become one of those problems - like alcohol addiction - we’re just not too sure how to tackle. Do we legislate against excessive gambling? And how do we even attempt that?

The federal government is looking at attempting it through its pre-commitment proposal. Unfortunately, one of the side effects could be a hefty blow to local clubs who provide services for many people other than those with gambling and alcohol addictions.

Clubs are particularly important in regional areas, and they are now warning the new pokie proposals could send them to the wall.

Maybe we haven’t got it right just yet.

If you or someone close to you has a gambling problem, you can seek help at www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au.