The Kyneton Bowling Club has expressed strong discontent with Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s new gambling policy, which mandates the removal of poker machines from clubs leasing council-owned land.
The recently adopted Gambling Harm Minimisation policy requires organisations to relinquish their electronic gambling machines (EGMs) and associated licences.
Paula Adams, chair of the Kyneton Bowling Club committee, described the situation as “extremely difficult,” noting that the club is facing significant challenges due to the impending loss of revenue from gaming.
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“We lack the volunteer resources to manage the workload required to sustain the club without the income from these machines,” Adams told the Star Weekly .
“We’re about to start strategic planning and will explore various options, but it’s unrealistic to think a club like ours can survive on cake stalls and sausage sizzles alone. We’re open to suggestions, but nothing stands out right now.”
Australian bowls clubs have long used pokies as a means of keeping themselves financially viable, as increased regulations and fees has sent many to the brink.
Our take on the Kyneton Bowls Club situation
Rules on the run and targeting a community hub like the Kyneton Bowls Club will lead to unintended consequences, like sending pokies players to offshore casinos.
While we are sure the Macedon Ranges Shire Council has the best of intentions at heart, they have clearly not consulted with the Kyneton club, which is one of the top bowls clubs in Australia.
While, on paper, it may look like there is a decrease in pokies play in Victoria, following changes like this, the fact there is no regulation surrounding online pokies play, means we have little knowledge of just how much money is being spent.
Anthony Albanese’s ALP government needs to take control of the situation and push a national gambling regulator, but like successive governments before them, they probably won’t.
It’s just not viable to have a patchwork of laws across council regions in Victoria, but there is also the Crown Resorts factor in the state, which is another handbrake on meaningful online pokies legislation.