The Hottest 100 is the most important poll in Australia after Federal Elections, and even then, it’s pretty close. No offence, Malc.
With so much of Australia heavily invested in the result, it shouldn’t come as a surprise groups outside of Triple J have been fiending over how to turn votes for the nation’s brightest young things into that sweet, sweet cashola. Of course, nobody turns statistics into money like betting agencies, and boy howdy, Triple J is not keen on it.
In an article by Hack, the J’s manager Chris Scaddan said gambling agencies that offer ‘bonus bets’ on top of Hottest 100 wagering not only deliberately target young Australians when they’re at a “very vulnerable point of their lives financially,” but the often-confusing nature of the inducements could lead would-be punters into some pretty shit circumstances.
“When you’re young and new to having credit, you don’t have big pockets or big financial resources. You could find yourself in a lot of financial trouble really early on in your life.
“Ultimately you’re giving the betting company your money. That’s all they’re interested in. They want your money, they want you signed up to their app.
The Victoria Responsible Gambling Foundation reckons 4 out of 5 teens have had a punt in the past year, and that young Aussies who gamble are more likely to develop a problem with betting in the future. Odds like that aren’t too great from the youth broadcaster’s perspective.
On the other hand: punters who have come good over previous Hottest 100 wagers. Several Facebook commenters have defended the freedom of betting companies to place odds on the world’s largest music poll; some even offered their red hot takes on this year’s line-up.
A sample betting website line-up. Source: Ladbrokes.
The whole thing goes down on Australia Day, as is tradition, but the poll itself closes in two days. If you can muster enough of your mates to vote up a long-odds donkey before then, you’re free to do so – just don’t expect Triple J to be too stoked about it.
Gambling addiction can cause considerable distress and financial hardship. If you or a loved one is showing signs of problem gambling, help can be sought by visiting or calling Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858, or on Lifeline by calling 13 11 14. State-specific resources on finding help for problem gambling can be found here.
