Representatives at Port Macquarie Panthers were given a stark picture on what would result for the 31 clubs in Lyne if new poker machine legislation goes ahead.
The Nationals Duty Senator for Lyne John Williams and the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Senator Michael Ronaldson met with representatives saying the clubs estimate it would cost almost $23 million to comply with new laws being demanded by Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, and it would lead to a $22 million annual reduction in revenue.
“The 31 licensed clubs are rightly concerned for their future and the impact on their combined 103,000 members,” Mr Williams said.
Although there are no definitive figures on how much it will cost clubs to comply with the new technology, Panthers believe it would cost them $3.2 million to implement the new system and a loss of revenue of between $4 and $5 million, Mr Williams revealed in a statement. It would mean the end of the $300,000 the Club gives to community groups annually.
“The representatives pointed out their gaming staff are highly trained and they already have processes in place to support problem gamblers, but the club industry supports the Coalition’s stance of voluntary pre-commitment.”
