Port Adelaide Enfield Council may ‘phase out’ poker machines in its properties
An Adelaide council is considering removing pokies from its buildings — after it was revealed punters spent more than $60 million on the pokies last financial year.
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Port Adelaide Enfield Council may phase out poker machines in council-owned buildings, after the district topped the state in poker machine spending for the sixth year in a row.
The council is considering taking a lead in minimising the impact of poker machines on its residents and will look at whether it is possible to phase out the machines from its properties and the social and economic impacts this could have.
It will consult with three clubs — Regency Tavern at Regency Park Golf Course, Grand North Tavern at Edward Smith Reserve and Northgate Community and Sports Club at Duncan Fraser Reserve — which have gaming licenses and operate out of council premises, about its proposal.
Last financial year, punters spent more than $60 million on all poker machines in the district.
This figure saw the district top the state for the sixth year in row — since records started being kept for local government areas in 2013/14.
Port Adelaide Enfield also has the most poker machines in the state with 1129 installed in local venues.
Cr David Wilkins said the council had a “unique opportunity” to explore getting rid of poker machines from its properties.
“There is a huge opportunity for us as a council to take a leadership position in relation to the issue of gaming machines,” Cr Wilkins said.
“I think we all know the significant and devastating impacts gaming machines can have in our local communities, particularly through problem gambling.
“I acknowledge, of course, that as part of this there will be an impact on those organisations and clubs who have previously relied on revenue generated from gaming machines.
“In my view, this should not be grounds for council failing in our obligations to explore a more ambitious approach (to removing poker machines) when it comes to our lease license and property arrangements.”
Cr Michael Iammarrone said the council needed to be “armed with all the information” before making a decision.
“While I personally don’t like pokies, it’s not about what we personally think should or shouldn’t happen,” Cr Iammarrone said.
“We need to be armed with the evidence of what the actual effects will be on the organisations that do have these facilities at the moment and weighing that up with the social impacts.”
The council will receive a report with the results of the investigation before the end of the year.