NSW Clubs with the most poker machines revealed
A peak gambling reform group is calling for a crackdown on “super clubs” operating as “mini casinos” as new data reveals the state’s top 20 clubs have more than 10,600 machines between them.
Local
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There are more than 10,600 poker machines between the top 20 clubs in the state, according to new statistics.
A peak gambling reform group has called for the NSW Government to crack down on some super clubs – which it claims are operating as “mini casinos” – with the introduction of poker machine caps.
There are 10,617 poker machines distributed between the top 20 NSW clubs ranked by the number of authorised poker machines at each venue, according to Liquor and Gaming NSW’s latest data.
Bankstown Sports Club had the highest number of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) authorised in the state at 745.
Rooty Hill RSL Club had the second-highest number with 710, followed by Canterbury Leagues Club in Belmore with 699.
Panthers Penrith Rugby League Club came in fourth place with 625 EGMs, closely followed by Mounties at Mount Pritchard with 615.
The data showed clubs in Sydney’s west and southwest had the highest number of gaming machines operating out of all clubs in the state.
Canterbury-Bankstown raked in the most profits from gaming machines at clubs and hotels out of all local government areas at $187.56 million from January to April this year, followed by Fairfield City Council at $182.26 million and Cumberland Council at $116.36 million.
Alliance for Gambling Reform’s chief advocate Tim Costello said he was concerned with the figures and called for “drastic cuts” and possible caps on poker machines in NSW.
“Action needs to be taken, fast, in NSW with poker machine losses spiking since they came back on a year ago after the pandemic lockdown,” Mr Costello told NewsLocal.
“It may be time, finally, for ILGA (The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority) to hold a public hearing into the appropriate cap on poker machine numbers, with the view to speeding up the reduction of numbers.”
Mr Costello referred to “super clubs” with 700 or more machines as essentially “mini casinos” and said cutting numbers may not go far enough.
“Cutting down from 700 to 600 poker machines still leaves 600 machines of addiction in just one venue,” he said.
“Families are suffering because of the gambling harm associated with these losses, communities are suffering because of the demonstrable negative impact poker machines have on local economies.
“Somewhere like Fairfield recording daily losses of more than $1.5 million (in April) is astonishing.”
A Clubs NSW spokeswoman hit back saying there was “no evidence” that gambling problems have increased since the club industry reopened last year.
“In fact, recent research conducted by the University of Sydney found no change in problem gambling levels compared to the pre-COVID figure, which was about 1 per cent of the adult population,” she said.
“The rise in gaming machine expenditure in NSW clubs has been less than NSW retail sales growth for the same period.”
Meanwhile, the pandemic has also forced some clubs to get creative in how they distribute their machines.
Hornsby RSL has recently lodged plans to create a new outdoor gaming area which it claims is in response to the pandemic.
The club is seeing to create a “safer, more spread out and efficient layout that complies with COVID health requirements of the government”.
It said there will be no increase in the number of gaming machines at the club. Hornsby RSL has been approached for comment.
However, Mr Costello claimed some clubs have been making “land grabs” and expanding while hiding behind the guise of COVID safety for months.
“What they have been effectively doing is expanding their footprint for poker machines, while pretending it’s for patrons’ safety,” Mr Costello said.
Mr Costello argued there was “nothing safe” about poker machines being outside so that people could smoke while using machines.
“It’s extraordinary that this is allowed to occur in NSW and we question why this exemption is still permitted,” he said.
“NSW has the most in any state around the world apart from Nevada and its Las Vegas. Do we really want an economy tied to gambling, when that inevitably brings so much harm and devastation?”
A Liquor and Gaming NSW spokeswoman said the state government was “committed to preventing and minimising gambling harm” and said $41.2 million has been allocated to responsible gambling programs and initiatives this year.
“This is evident in our responsible gambling and harm minimisation measures, the strengthening of the NSW Responsible Gambling Fund, the creation of the Office of Responsible Gambling, and the 2018 gaming law reforms which were the most substantial reforms in ten years,” she said.
She said government funding was provided to Gambling Help NSW which gives free support and help for those experiencing gambling problems and their families.
A Clubs NSW spokeswoman said: “Clubs offer a comprehensive range of tools and support for people experiencing problems controlling their gambling, including multi-venue self-exclusion and counselling.”
Gambling Help NSW support services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au.
Anyone experiencing problems as a result of gambling at a club can call ClubSAFE on 1800 99 77 66 for free and confidential counselling and support
Lifeline 13 11 14
FULL LIST OF CLUBS WITH THE MOST POKIE MACHINES
Bankstown Sports Club, Bankstown – 745
Rooty Hill RSL Club, Rooty Hill – 710
Canterbury League Club Ltd, Belmore – 699
Penrith Rugby League Club Limited, Penrith – 625
Mt Pritchard & District Community Club Limited (Trading as Mounties), Mount Pritchard – 615
Twin Towns Services Club Limited, Tweed Heads – 596
Wentworthville Leagues Club Limited, Wentworthville – 545
Western Suburbs Newcastle Leagues Club Ltd, New Lambton – 541
Revesby Workers‘ Club Ltd, Revesby – 525
Campbelltown Catholic Club Ltd, Campbelltown – 519
Dee Why RSL Club Limited, Dee Why – 488
Parramatta Leagues Club, Parramatta – 473
Cabra-Vale Ex-Active Servicemen’s Club Ltd, Canley Vale – 450
Commercial Club (Albury) Ltd, Albury – 450
Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club, Lidcombe – 448
Western Suburbs League Club (Campbelltown) Ltd, Leumeah – 448
St Marys Rugby League Club Ltd, North St Marys – 445
Liverpool Catholic Club, Prestons – 435
Workers Blacktown, Blacktown – 430
Sutherland District Trade Union Club Ltd, Gymea – 430
*Based on maximum number of electronic gaming machines allowed at the venue as of June 2021 data. Source: Liquor and Gaming NSW
Warning: 36 new no-go Aus suburbs exposed
There is now a new list of 36 Australian suburbs with one clear warning - these areas are a no-go.
Read more
Crime scene set up after man’s body found by neighbour
The homicide squad has been called in to assist local detectives after a man’s body was found inside a south coast home. Here is what we know.
Read more