Here's a disturbing survey finding: more than half the poker machine players over 50 say they do so to help out their local clubs.

In other words, they're hooked on the idea that venues that rely on the misery of pokies addicts for 40 per cent of revenue are actually altruistic and require support from kind-hearted patrons.

Anna and Tim Lawrence are leading a Proudly Pokies Free campaign Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Here's an even more disturbing truth: the biggest players of pokies are not lonely pensioners but 18- to 24-year-olds.

It's time for young 'uns to speak out against this cradle-to-grave pokie con that preys on vulnerable young people who, according to research, play because their mates do it, they are risk-takers, they do not believe gambling is bad, and they do not have a healthy sense of self.