Commission grants application for additional 14 pokies at Myrtleford Savoy Sporting Club

On 15 March 2016, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from the Myrtleford Savoy Sporting Club Inc to increase the number of pokies at the Myrtleford Savoy Sporting Club in the Shire of Alpine from 26 to 40.

The Shire of Alpine did not oppose the application.

On 13 April 2016, the commission granted the application.

The commission found there is likely to be a net positive social and economic impact to the community, and therefore no net detriment.

In making this determination, the commission weighed the following economic benefits and disbenefits.

Gambling expenditure not associated with problem gambling was given low weight.Community contributions was given low weight.Employment creation was given low weightValue of other expenditure in Myrtleford was given low weight.

• The proportion of new expenditure not attributable to problem gambling is an economic benefit.
• The club is a small venue with relatively low levels of gaming machine expenditure. While statistics show a level of disadvantage in the area, these statistics are influenced by the elderly population of Myrtleford.
• The anticipated extent of the new expenditure at the club is expected to be relatively low.
• The proposed community contributions of $100,000 a year represent an increase of approximately 40 per cent on previous donations.
• These contributions will result in a positive economic impact on community groups operating in Myrtleford.
• It is expected that upon completion of the development works two new full-time positions will be created at the club. These employees will most likely be from the local community.
• The development is expected to attract more tourists to Myrtleford, who are likely to spend money in the community generally. This is a positive economic benefit, but uncertain as it is dependent on the development achieving the hoped-for results.

The possibility of increased incidences and impact of problem gambling was given low weight.

• This is expected to be a low risk due to the low number of gaming machines at the club, the level of anticipated new expenditure and the socio-economic characteristics of the Myrtleford community.

In making this determination, the commission weighed the following social benefits and disbenefits.

Improved facilities enabling a greater range of services was given moderate weight.Increased gaming opportunities for those who enjoy gaming was given low weight.Increased community contributions was given moderate weight.

• The introduction of additional gaming machines will enable facilities at the club to be renovated and improved, allowing a greater range of services to be provided.
• The club will better serve the needs of gaming patrons by providing a greater variety and number of gaming machines. There is a lack of gaming competition close to the club.
• The level of community contributions and the impact on local community organisations is considered to be a social benefit.

The possibility of increased incidences and the impact of problem gambling on the community was given low weight.

• The area surrounding the club is not considered as particularly vulnerable to problem gambling. There are relatively low levels of expenditure at the club and appropriate responsible service of gaming practices are in place.

See our infographic on the Shire of Alpine and compare its pokies statistics with other councils across Victoria.