Proposed changes to poker machine gambling in NSW has caused angst amongst ClubsNSW members. The reforms have the support of the NSW Liberal party, the Greens and also independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton.
The proposed reforms include a cashless gaming card, reduced trading hours, independent compliance and a reduction in machine numbers. With 49 clubs in the Murray electorate, concerns have risen over the lack of engagement and impact of the proposed changes.
“We’re not opposed to gaming reform, we’ve just got to do it the right way,” said cluBarham CEO Jason Wallace.
“The right way would be to consult with the industry and find out what the ramifications would be.
“80 per cent of our tourism comes from Victoria; Victorians won’t want to give out their data to the NSW Government via poker machines.
“Tourist dollars may stay in Victoria, which severely impacts on our little destination that we’re trying to grow as a destination for tourism.
“We’re holding 94 staff. We could lose 30 overnight if this extreme measure went in without any thought on how it would impact the industry.
“We’re on a pathway of master planning for both clubs, the main club and the golf club, to establish us as a destination for golf and bowls, have them as our heroes on the Murray, but if this dramatic change goes through it will be put on ice.”
Mr Wallace believes that the changes would also impact the over $200,000 returned to the community in cash and in-kind, as well as the more than $1 million the club spends in local businesses and $3 million in wages.
Moama Bowling Club CEO, Paul Barnes, said clubs in the Murray are tired of being ignored by their elected representative, after numerous efforts to meet with the MP.
“We have been asking to meet with Helen Dalton for weeks and instead of taking our calls, she blindsided us, giving an interview on her anti-club position to the Sydney Morning Herald,” Mr Barnes said.
“Clubs are the heart of rural and regional communities, creating thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars in support for charities and other local organisations, so why does Helen still refuse to even meet us?
“We have always said we support sensible ideas that both protect our communities and our jobs, but Helen’s lack of consultation has put our backs against the wall, leaving us with no choice but to register as third-party campaigners against her re-election.”
Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has been astounded by ClubsNSW’s recently launched campaign against her, labelling the move as a blatant bullying campaign because of her support for gambling reform.
“I cannot understand why I have been singled out, when even the Premier and other independents and parties are also backing the proposed reform,” said Mrs Dalton.
“There have been no decisions and certainly no detail yet and we have a fair way to go before it comes to that, I have to wonder if ClubsNSW is attacking me because I am a female independent?”
Across NSW, there are 1,028 clubs with poker machines. Five clubs from Mrs Dalton’s Murray electorate sit in the top 90 clubs for net profit per machine, including Moama Bowling Club.
“The Murray River area has one gaming machine for every 13 people, and in the Murray electorate this year, they have generated more than $185 million. Of that massive spend, barely 2 per cent of that revenue is returned to the local community,” Mrs Dalton said.
“These figures are simply frightening and are why I am standing up and calling for gambling reform.”
Mrs Dalton has committed to meeting with clubs in the new year.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 22 December 2022.
