Across Australia, pokies get a pretty bad rap. While most media outlets spend their time pointing out the negative aspects of poker machines, they neglect to mention all of the positive effects that they have on the community. Pokies fund a wide range of community projects, such as the new expansion of the Hoppers Crossing Sports Club.
The sports club has been granted approval on its request to install 20 new pokies, bringing its total to 55. They are expected to bring in at least $750 000 in their first year – and the revenue will be used to upgrade and expand the sports club. The Hoppers Crossing Sports Club is in the process of adding a new restaurant and function room.
The expansion will provide local residents with new, quality venues, ultimately benefiting the community. The project is expected to cost $5 million, and the new pokies will assist with the cost. The Sports Club has fought long and hard to obtain the approval for these new games. When the proposal was introduced in June 2012, it was rejected by Wyndham Council.
The council’s lawyers presented a study in which 61% of residents opposed the additional games. To appeal the decision, the club enlisted in the help of the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation. After careful investigation, the commission determined that the new games would not cause significant social or economic harm to the area.
The club provides a valuable service for local residents and, without pokie revenue, it is unlikely that the venue would even exist. George Csifo, general manager, maintains that the club and its pokies have a positive impact on the local community. He states: "By offering these sorts of facilities and having so many sports clubs, it gets kids off the streets, involved in sport and out onto the paddock."
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