Local clubs may face up to 40 per cent reduction in revenue and possibly even closure if the Federal Government’s gambling reforms are implemented.
In Tenterfield alone, it is estimated that the bowls and golf clubs would see a reduction of about half a million dollars a year as a result of these reforms.
On top of this, if the reforms go ahead by the mooted 2014 date, clubs will need to fork out the installation costs for the pre-commitment technology.
This is estimated at $165,000 for the 33 poker machines at the Tenterfield Bowls Club and $150,000 for the 26 machines at the Tenterfield Golf Club.
According to Clubs Queensland, the Condamine Sports Club of Warwick, Stanthorpe RSL Services Club, Stanthorpe Sports and Country Club, Warwick Golf Club and Warwick RSL Services Club would also be greatly affected by these reforms, which could include a card that details how much you want to spend on the pokies prior to using the machines.
Both Clubs Queensland and Clubs NSW believe these measures would not deter problem gamblers.
“It really is a licence to gamble and it’s not actually going to work,” a Clubs NSW spokesperson said.
Clubs Queensland CEO Doug Flockhart said they want to stop problem gambling, but with something that would work and not adversely affect local clubs.
“This will decimate the clubs. You could see 300 clubs across Queensland close,” Mr
Flockhart said.
“Any clubs with gaming machines, if (these reforms) are implemented, are at risk of significant revenue loss and possibly closure,” he said.
Mr Flockhart said clubs were often the meeting place for residents and often provided sporting activities.
Tenterfield Bowling Club manager Michael Jones said his club was definitely at threat of closure if these reforms go ahead.
“It will drive everyone to computers; our biggest threat at the moment is internet gambling,” Mr Jones said.
Tenterfield Golf Club manager Mitch Clark said it was a massive investment into something that had no evidence that it worked.
“The club is pretty much a hub for the community,” Mr Clark said.
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin and the government supported a card based pre-commitment system that is simple to use, and
cost-effective.
“We are confident a card based system will provide adequate protection for problem gamblers, without the need for fingerprinting or other biometrics,” Ms
Macklin said.
“The government also under-stands that small venues, many of them in our rural communities, have different needs that should be taken into account,” she said.
“Small pubs and clubs play an important role in many rural communities – providing a place for people to get together and supporting local community and sporting groups. “
