Poker machines are not just a source of fun and entertainment for adults across Australia. They also serve a very valuable purpose for local organisations, as their revenue helps to fund a wide range of community groups and programs. This week, it was revealed that several community groups in Mackay benefitted from $13 million in pokie grants.

The latest round of Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants paid out $13.3 million to not-for-profit groups in Mackay region. Slade Point Rugby Club received $35 000, which will be used for the construction of a shed for the construction of a shed. Pioneer High P and C Association also received a generous grant worth over $30 000, which will be used to upgrade the school hall.

"In Mackay, 10 community groups were successful in receiving grants,” says Julieanne Gilbert, Labour MP for Mackay. "The benefits these organisations generate are enormous. These groups are the backbone of this community”. Community groups across the region were offered funding for various purposes, such as equipment and facility upgrades.

This type of funding is very important for the local community, as it ensures that various not-for-profit groups and programs will be able to keep running. Every year, $52 million is available from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. The money for donations comes from gambling profits from local clubs and casinos, including Jupiters Casino, Breakwater Island Casino and Reef Hotel and Casino.

This is a great program, as it taps the lucrative Australia gambling market for funding for valuable community programs. The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is allocated four times per year. Applications for the next round of funding closes on 31 August, 2015. Organisations can apply for grants worth between $500 and $35 000. For more information, browse Grant Guru.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.