Poker machines perform a valuable function in Australia, providing funding that allows local clubs to operate. However, some clubs are failing to see sufficient profits from their pokies. A recent report in The New Daily has found that waning pokie profits are having a negative impact on the performance of AFL clubs in Victoria.
Many of the state’s most popular pokie clubs are falling on hard times, due to the fact that their games are not raking in as much money as they normally do. Carlton and Geelong, for example, failed to make a profit in 2014. Another club that has seen a decline is Manningham Club. In 2012, the venue brought in $6 million in poker machine profits. In 2014, that number dropped to $4.4 million.
Laverton also saw its profits decline from $7.6 million to $5.8 over the same two-year period. It is no secret that AFL clubs depend heavily on poker machines. The profits from the games are used to fund the clubs themselves, allowing them to operate successfully. However, these clubs are seeing less and less of the gambling market share in Australia.
It has been noted that this decline is due to the fact that sportsbetting is seeing more growth in Australia. Punters are choosing to spend their money wagering on sports matches and races as opposed to spending a few dollars to spin the reels on a pokie machine. The issue is further exasperated by the fact that sportsbetting is becoming more accessible to the Australian public.
Several services offer online sportsbetting, whereas pokies must be played in person. It is likely that legalising online pokies and casino games would help to boost club profits yet again, but politicians are reluctant to consider this option
About the Author
