Anti-gaming MP revealed as gambling stakeholder

An Australian MP who is known for her anti-gambling stance has egg on her face after reporters discover she’s also a gambling stakeholder.

An MP for Australia’s Liberal party who has regularly spoken out against gambling faces embarrassment after various news sources reported that she actually owns stocks in the industry.

Sarah Henderson, a Liberal backbencher, had publicly denounced gambling as a “social curse” that causes “enormous issues” for families and individuals.

But last month, an investigation by the Geelong Advertiser revealed that Henderson has been profiting from a share portfolio that includes stocks in gaming machine manufacturer Aristocrat Leisure.

In an editorial feature on the issue, the Advertiser wrote: “If you’re against pokies, not investing in them is literally the least you can do.

If you’re fine with the pokies then it’s probably best not to be such a cynical political opportunist as to bemoan their terrible toll in the people’s house.”

Giving a word of advice to the Corangamite MP inspired by Kenny Rogers, they added: “You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em.” We couldn’t agree more.