Shaun Micallef is turning his attention to one of Australia’s most ingrained habits in a new ABC documentary that promises more than a few uncomfortable truths.
Across three episodes, Going For Broke sees him step inside the country’s gambling culture, blending humour with firsthand experiences and a closer look at the systems driving it.
– Advertisement –
Supplied:
Shaun Micallef returns to the ABC with a bold new three‑part documentary series that tackles one of Australia’s most deeply entrenched habits: gambling.
This insightful new series sees the writer, actor and comedian turn his forensic logic and trademark wit on a national obsession he has never understood – and barely participated in.
Famously risk‑averse, Shaun places his first bet in decades and travels the country to uncover how Australians have become the biggest gambling losers in the world.
Across three episodes, Shaun explores Australia’s complicated love affair with having a punt, tracing how a once‑casual pastime has evolved into a carefully engineered, highly profitable industry that keeps Australians betting more often and at higher stakes than ever before.
By placing himself inside each experience, Shaun offers a distinctive and deeply human lens on an industry that thrives in plain sight.
– Advertisement –
Micallef traces Australia’s gambling culture from its early rituals to the human cost of poker machines, sharing stories from both casual players and those impacted by addiction.
He interrogates the industry’s predatory tactics and turns to the future, examining advertising, influencers and reform, while spotlighting venues thriving without gambling revenue.
Blending sharp inquiry, empathy and Shaun’s unmistakable humour, Shaun Micallef’s Going For Broke challenges viewers to reconsider what gambling has become in Australia, who is paying the price – and whether, as a nation, we are truly going for broke.
Produced by CJZ for the ABC, the series is backed by principal funding from the ABC in association with Screen Australia, with local distribution handled by the ABC and post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen NSW.
Paula Bycroft serves as Supervising Executive Producer, alongside Executive Producer Andrew Farrell, ABC Executive Producer Julie Hanna and ABC Head of Documentaries and Specialist Susie Jones.
Catch a first look at the new series in the player below.
Shaun Micallef’s Going For Broke premieres Tuesday 19 May at 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
– Advertisement –
