I spent many of my childhood weekends among gamblers in the local TAB. That seems almost quaint now

With betting now accessible 24/7, the old bricks and mortar shops seem like a nostalgic relic from a gentler timeThe experience of the Cessnock TAB began with the tinny click of its big door handle, followed always by the smell of old cigarettes and the racket of 2KY racing radio turned up full blast.In front of the TVs was a long table and behind the table were four bar stools, their padded tops covered in red pleather. Enter any time during business hours and three of the bar stools would likely be occupied by the same three men, all in their 60s at least.Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads Continue reading...