Commission grants application for 80 pokies at Sale Greyhounds

On 5 January 2016, the commission heard an application from Sale and District Greyhound Racing Club Inc to increase the number of pokies at the Sale and District Greyhound Racing Club in the Shire of Wellington from 70 to 80.

The Shire of Wellington prepared a submission and appeared at the hearing in opposition to the application. On 16 February 2016, the commission granted the application.

The approval is subject to the condition that the Club donate $30,000 in community contributions each year, in consultation with the Shire of Wellington.

The commission found there would be a neutral social and economic impact, and therefore no net detriment.

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

Increase in gaming expenditure not associated with problem gambling was given marginal weight.Community contributions were given marginal weight.

• The application sought an additional 10 machines, which would result in a low amount of additional gaming expenditure. Therefore, the amount of increased gaming expenditure not associated with problem gambling would also be low.
• The proposed community contribution of $30,000 is significant. The contribution will be made in addition to current community contributions.

The possibility of an increased economic impact on problem gambling was given marginal weight.In making this determination, the commission weighed the following social benefits and disbenefits.

• The application predicted a low level of new gaming expenditure meaning the potential increase in problem gambling would also be low. Other mitigating factors included:
  • the premises location outside the Sale CBD making it a destination venue
  • the high amount (50 per cent) of patrons who travel from outside the 5km catchment area
  • the venue's strong commitment to responsible service of gaming (RSG), with all board members and senior staff RSG-trained.

A wider variety of choice of pokies for recreational gamblers was given marginal weight.Community contributions were given moderate weight.

• As the application was asking for an additional 10 pokies, the commission found this increase 'may better service the needs of patrons'.
• The proposed community contributions could have a positive impact on local community organisations.

Possible increase in health and social problems if there is an increase in problem gambling was given marginal weight.Community concerns were given low weight.

• The commission accepted there was potential for negative social impacts through possible increased problem gambling. However, this risk is mitigated by:
  • the premises location outside the Sale CBD making it a destination venue
  • the high amount (50 per cent) of patrons who travel from outside the 5km catchment area
  • the venue's strong commitment to RSG, with all board members and senior staff RSG-trained.
• The commission recognised community concerns about gambling addressed in the community attitudes survey. However, this survey did not address the application specifically but rather sought community comment on gambling in general.

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