Did you know that an organization can lose its pokies license for taking part in dishonest activities that are not directly related to gambling? Over the years, several groups have had their licenses suspended or revoked due to breaking local gambling laws, but it is also possible for the same punishment to be incurred if the organization has taken part in any other kind of wrongdoing. In the case of the Melbourne Demons, the football club could face this type of punishment for its tanking accusations.
Currently, the AFL is investigating claims that the Melbourne Demons tanked a game against Richmond in 2009. By throwing the game, the club finished the season with just four wins, meaning that it would secure the first draft picks of the following season. These picks were used to draft Tom Scully and Jack Trengove, two highly sought-after players.
If the Demons are found guilty, the club will not only face penalties from the Australian Football League; they will also have to answer to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation. The local gaming commission has the power to suspend the club’s gambling license, and representatives are keeping a close eye on how the situation unfolds.
“The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation will be considering the outcomes of the AFL’s investigation in its own inquiry into the matter,” a spokesperson for the commission said.
Should the Demons lose their pokies license, the club will be missing out on millions of dollars in gambling revenue. The two clubs that are operated by the Melbourne Demons are the Bentleigh Club and the Leighoak Hotel, which host 80 and 92 games, respectively. Each year, these pokies generate $10 million for the Demons, which is used to fund the team’s equipment and various other aspects of its operations.
About the Author
