A 50-year-old Australian father of three died by suicide after accumulating substantial gambling losses at a P&O cruise ship casino. Shane Dixon jumped overboard approximately 10 nautical miles from Sydney Harbor around 4 AM on May 6.

Dixon was aboard the Pacific Adventure for a three-night cruise with his mother, Sue Dixon, 66. The trip was meant to help Shane cope with recent family tragedies, including the loss of his father and brother.

During the cruise, Dixon lost AU$5,000 (US$3,345) on the first night at the ship's casino. After his mother offered to cover these losses, he returned to gamble and lost an additional AU$4,000, which he kept secret from her.

Former P&O casino patrons have criticized the cruise line's gambling practices, alleging:

• Lending money to players after losses
• Providing complimentary alcohol
• Insufficient intervention for at-risk gamblers
• Limited safeguards in international waters

Scott Dixon, Shane's surviving brother, condemned P&O's practices, particularly their incentives encouraging continued gambling. He questioned why cruise ship casinos lack the patron limits common in local establishments.

P&O declined to comment specifically on the incident, citing an ongoing coroner's investigation. They referred to their "Responsible Conduct of Gaming Policies" and confirmed their cooperation with authorities.

The incident highlights Australia's ongoing struggle with problem gambling, where:

• 75% of adults gamble annually
• 40% gamble weekly
• 46% of gamblers risk developing gambling disorders

Related Articles

Previous Articles