Clubs campaign against Canberra Casino having poker machines

ClubsACT has begun an online petition in an attempt to gather opposition against poker machines being introduced in the new Aquis-owned Canberra Casino.

Currently, ACT’s community clubs-based gambling model doesn’t allow poker machines for commercial purposes, and ClubsACT is campaigning for this restriction to remain unchanged.

The ACT Government has not yet finalised its position on reversing the ban, while the Canberra Casino hopes to buy around 670 poker machines from the city’s clubs as part of their proposed $330 million redevelopment.

The Aquis Entertainment owned Canberra casino would include new gaming areas and resort-style entertainment, making it the largest operator of gaming machines in ACT.

ClubsACT Chief Executive Gwyn Rees said poker machines at the casino would destroy the existing community model and force many of the capital's clubs to close.

In September last year, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr indicated he could end the ban on poker machines at the Canberra casino by saying the prohibition was not "set in stone for the rest of eternity"

Rees said stressed the importance of the clubs in society, from jobs, infrastructure and grants to community groups, sports clubs and charities.

Rees explained “more than 1100 organisations have benefited from more than $125 million in donations in the last decade.

"Canberra's community club model plays a vital role in the economy and underpins our social fabric."

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