A tragic incident aboard P&O Australia's Pacific Adventure cruise ship has sparked controversy after 50-year-old Shane Dixon took his life following substantial casino losses. The father of three jumped overboard approximately 10 nautical miles from Sydney Harbor around 4 am on May 6.

Dixon was on a three-night cruise with his 66-year-old mother, Sue Dixon, intended as a respite following recent family tragedies. Already facing financial strain from a divorce, 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 gambling and lost an additional AU$4,000.

Former passengers have criticized P&O's casino practices, citing concerns about:

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

Scott Dixon, Shane's brother, condemned P&O's practices, questioning why casinos aren't subject to the same patron limits as local pubs. P&O has declined direct comment on the incident, citing the ongoing coroner's investigation, but referenced their "Responsible Conduct of Gaming Policies."

The incident highlights Australia's broader gambling challenges, where:

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

P&O Australia is owned by P&O Cruises UK, ultimately operating under Carnival Corporation.

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