Commission refuses application to increase pokies at the Sporting Legends Club

On 9 November 2015, the commission heard an application from Sporting Legends Inc to increase the number of pokies at the Sporting Legends Club in the Shire of Wellington from 74 to 80.

The Shire of Wellington prepared a submission and appeared at the hearing in opposition to the application. On 23 December 2015, the commission refused the application.

The commission found:

• There would be a marginal economic impact on the community if the application was approved. 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.Additional employment was given no weight.

• The application sought an additional six 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 not substantial. The contribution will be made irrespective of the outcome of the application for six more gaming machines despite the venue receiving a tax benefit from the increase in machines.
• Existing levels of staffing will be maintained as no additional employees were expected to be hired as a result of the application.

The possibility of an increased incidence and impact on problem gambling was given low weight.

• The application predicted a low level of new gaming expenditure, meaning the potential increase in problem gambling would also be low.
  • There would be a minor negative social impact on the community if the application was approved. In making this determination, the commission weighed the following economic benefits and disbenefits.

A wider variety of choice of pokies for recreational gamblers was given no weight.Community contributions were given neutral to marginal weight.

• As the application was asking for only an additional six pokies, the commission found this increase would have no impact on choice for recreational gamblers.
• Although community contributions could result in a positive social impact on the community, the proposed community contribution is not substantial and will be made irrespective of the success of the application.

Possible increase in risk of problem gambling and social service costs was given low weight.Community views were given low weight.

• The commission accepted there was potential for negative social costs (for example, increased health and social service requirements) through possible increased problem gambling expenditure.
• The commission recognised community concerns about gambling and considered the community attitudes survey, which addressed the application specifically.

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