THE head of one of the region's biggest venues fears proposed gambling reforms could put some clubs out of business.
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Wests Entertainment Group chief executive officer Rod Laing said the reforms tabled by the state government would put a heavy financial strain on clubs at a time when most can ill afford it.
"It is without a doubt the most economically volatile time I have ever experienced," Mr Laing said.
"From what I understand, the government has put that out there as a discussion paper, but I honestly can't believe it."
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If approved, the reforms would see clubs move towards cashless gaming machines, while gamblers would have to register for a government-issued gambling card.
Punters would then need to load money onto the card before use and the card would be linked to the state's exclusion register to ensure thousands of self-excluded gamblers would be blocked out.
"Gaming is already heavily regulated, there's no doubt about that and now they decide to put this discussion paper out there without consultation with peak bodies such as Clubs NSW," Mr Laing said.
"There will always be certain groups that are against gambling, I understand that and the issues surrounding problem gambling should be addressed.
"However, while we are always open to taking new measures to help fight problem gambling, these measures will have a serious economic impact.
"I can see some clubs going out of business if these reforms are implemented."
Also included in the reforms would be gaming machines fitted with face recognition technology, which would help identify those who have self excluded.
"I know some clubs such as Wentworthville Leagues Club have trialed that kind of technology in the past without much success," Mr Laing said.
"Again, it's a solution that is going to have a major financial impact on clubs at a time when they are under enough pressure."
Despite objections from peak bodies, the reforms have support from all sectors of politics including Greens MP Kate Faehrmann, who has called for the government to stand firm on the moves.
"It's beyond overdue for pubs and clubs to take responsibility for the harm that poker machines cause in the community, Ms Faehrmann said.
"Every day $18.7 million is lost through poker machines in NSW. That's $6.4 billion per year.
"With many of the most profitable clubs in NSW seeing annual profits of up to $100,000 on thousands of machines, pleas from clubs about going broke are disingenuous to say the least."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
