The season is over but the AFL’s debate over pokie reform is just warming up.
By Charlene Gatt
THE Western Bulldogs remain on the fence about the Federal Government’s poker machine reforms.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has called on the Federal Government to reprogram commonly-used poker machines to cap losses at $120 an hour rather than $1200 an hour.
The cap would not apply to low-intensity machines.
The proposal attracted the ire of the AFL and NFL, who believed the measure would mean major losses in poker machine revenue.
Last week, a Bulldogs spokesperson would not say whether the club supported the AFL’s stance.
“Like most AFL Clubs we provide our 34,000 members and fans with the opportunity to access a range of food, beverage and entertainment options, including gaming,” the spokesperson said.
“When it comes to gaming machine numbers – we are at the lower end in comparison to other AFL clubs, with currently 50 gaming machines across our social and entertainment venues.
“Whilst there are a range of different views being presented in the current debate as to how to best tackle problem gambling, the Western Bulldogs share the community’s concern on this important issue.
“The Bulldogs take our responsibilities in this area very seriously. We actively promote responsible gaming and beyond this we also work very closely with local support providers who are at the forefront of tackling the issue directly in our community.
“We are confident that the AFL and the Clubs are working to achieve an outcome that gets the balance right on this important issue.”
