You should go to Aus and judge for yourself. They’re also addicted to fossil fuels, and sports (which includes gambling). Funny thing is of all the many Australians I know, and all the many times I’ve been there, none I know seem to mention, do any gambling, take part in or work in gambling related areas. Anecdotal I know. I have seen casinos, and noticed many bars have gambling machines in them. And perhaps when you imply that all Australians are completely addicted, you don’t literally mean “all”. Perhaps you mean a disproportionately large amount of the population in comparison with similarly sized economies with rule of law? Would need to chevk that. I know alcoholism is a big issue. Their economy is most likely addicted to gambling however, with many Western democracies being beholden to special interest groups, most citizens are well aware of what goes on in their democracies. There is also very strong and active rights groups, NGOs, activism and lobbying on all manner of social issues probably including this one. They currently have a slightly less conservative gov right now so perhaps things are being done. I’m with you on how damaging and nefarious gambling industries are to individuals and societies.
Indeed. Authoritarians keep multiple sets of books. Reactionarianism might be near the top of the pile, with no particular ideology , let alone morality, being at the foundation. whatever is required in the moment to maintain power. Also worth pointing out that HK were promised universal suffrage by the CCP, under internationally ratified agreement. I realise this ship has sailed, but we should not forget what Hong Kongers have had stolen from them. And how we all lose because of it, especially those from the ‘main’land