Community anger as Coach and Horses pub in Ringwood applies for more poker machines

A PUB in Melbourne’s outer east owned by Collingwood Football Club that gave back less than 1 per cent of what punters lost in the past year has outraged locals over a bid for more poker machines.

Maroondah councillor Mary-Anne Lowe (third from left) with angry residents outside the Coach and Horses hotel, Ringwood. Picture: Andrew Batsch

A RINGWOOD pub that gave back not even 1 per cent of what punters lost in the past year has community members outraged over a bid for more poker machines.

Gamblers lost almost $5 million at The Coach and Horses in the past financial year but the venue listed only $46,455 paid in sponsorship to local sporting and recreational clubs on its Community Benefit Statement.

A consultant acting for the applicant — Collingwood Football Club — justified the request for 10 more poker machines by saying it would pay for a $3.8 million renovation of the Maroondah Highway venue.

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Maroondah councillor Mary-Anne Lowe said the application was “disgusting and disappointing”.

“Our residents don’t want more poker machines; why do they keep being forced upon us?” Cr Lowe said. “A few jobs might be created but it doesn’t outweigh the millions lost in the community.”

Losses from players this year are up on $123,228 on last year, even without the extra machines.

In the application to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, consultant Colleen Peterson said the introduction of extra machines would be “positive” for the community.

“The benefits associated with the proposal include greater accessibility to gaming for recreational gamblers and an improved and renovated club facility in the order of $3.8 million,” Ms Peterson said.

“These benefits outweigh any disbenefits, including the risk of increased problem gambling behaviour.”

The plan also includes the addition of three EFTPOS machines, providing gamblers greater access to cash.

Eastern Metropolitan Region state Greens MP Samantha Dunn warned families would suffer “enormous” social harm if the application was approved.

“Pokies cause massive financial stress that leads to family breakdown, crime, job loss, depression and suicide,” she said.

The bid would see the venue’s electronic gaming machines increased to 90, after an unsuccessful application for an extra eight machines in 2013.

Cr Lowe said she didn’t want to see any more poker machines introduced across Maroondah.

The application will be heard at the gaming commission on October 10.

Coach & Horses and Collingwood Football Club declined to comment.

Anyone with gambling concerns can phone [phone] or go to gamblinghelponline.org.au.