8 August 2016
To: the MP as addressed
By email:
Dear
I write to provide some important context to the Herald Sun’s front page article, “$50bn pokies pain” from Monday 1 August 2016.
The article twisted statistics to make it look like gaming machine expenditure is rising in Victoria, when this is clearly not the case.
Over last five years, gaming machine expenditure in Victoria has fallen 1.3% in nominal terms. In 2015/16, Victorians spent $65 million less on gaming machines than they did in 2012.
To put this into a broader context, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) retail data:
- Victorians have spent nearly three times as much on eating out at cafes & restaurants over the last 24 years ($142.8 billion, not inflation adjusted or $5.95 billion per year)
- Victorians spend $1 billion more on takeaway food than they do on pokies ($3.62 billion), which equates to $86.9 billion over the last 24 years.
In real, inflation-adjusted terms, Victorian gaming machine expenditure has fallen by around $1 billion since its peak in 2001-02.
Source: Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
The $50.7 billion in reported expenditure in Victoria over the 24 years since the introduction of gaming is not all profit, with approximately $17.4 billion, or 34 per cent taken in State Government gambling tax. This does not include the licence fees, payroll tax, stamp duty and land taxes paid to the State Government.
More than 50 per cent of the total expenditure went to the for-profit commercial interests, to hotels and the Tatts and Tabcorp duopoly which operated gaming between 1992 and 2012.
Meanwhile, not-for-profit clubs received only 13 per cent of the total, much of which was used to pay salaries and as maintenance for free or below-cost community sporting facilities, including more than:
- 220 sports fields;
- 354 bowling greens;
- 204 golf courses; and
- 15,000 employees.
The fact is that the vast majority of people enjoy gaming machines responsibly and spend within their means. Community clubs across Victoria and in your electorate remain focused on helping the minority of people who do develop a problem. We offer proven, evidence-based measures, such as self-exclusion. It is evidence-based measures such as this that contribute to the problem gambling rate in Victoria being among the lowest in the world.
If you or your staff would like a briefing about this or other club related matters, please contact Siobhan Barry, Government Relations Manager (Victoria) on (03) 8851 4988, mobile 0439 214 085 or by email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Leon Wiegard
Executive President
P.S. The latest KPMG National Club Census of the club movement will be available shortly, including data for your electorate. We will be in touch soon to provide the data and a briefing.
In FY25, Victorian Keno players enjoyed almost 10 million wins worth more than $131.9 million.
For many club patrons across Victoria, FY25 was a year to remember – all thanks to a life-changing Keno win.
Victorian players had a standout year, tallying over 9.9 million Keno wins collectively worth than $131.9 million in prize money.
In FY25, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated more than 76 million wins collectively worth more than $1.2 billion.
During this time, Keno crowned 20 millionaires and multi-millionaires who together took home more than $57.9 million. Two of these major jackpot winners were from Victoria.
Laverton woman thanks ‘manifestation magic’ for Keno win
A Laverton woman shared she was left thanking the universe after she scored a $60,000 Keno Classic 8 Spot prize at Club Laverton in the weeks leading up to last Christmas.
“It was a big surprise! Especially coming up to Christmas, it’s perfect!” she cheered.
“Do you want to hear something really funny? I just wrote in my diary the day before winning, ‘Thank you, universe, for my Keno 8 Spot win’. Then it really came true!
“I’m a firm believer in the law of attraction and manifestation, and I love affirmations!
“It was awesome seeing all eight numbers pop up on the screen.
“I’ve had a few wins in Keno over the years. It’s like the stars align for me when I play - it’s my thing!”
Club Laverton manager Gus Alimovski said the team happily shared in the excitement with their major Keno winner.
“What an incredible win for our patron! It’s always great hearing these winning stories, and now we have another one to share with our patrons,” he said.
“We’re thrilled for our customer, and we hope to see more Keno winners in our venue soon.”
All eyes on a winning FY26
Keno’s National Partner Manager Luke Harrison said he couldn’t wait to see which Victorian clubs welcomed the next big Keno winners.
“Last financial year, players at Victorian clubs celebrated some impressive victories,” he said.
“A key highlight has been the growing popularity of Keno’s Bonus and Replay features among club patrons. This trend reflects how venues are successfully connecting with their customers, sharing updates on jackpot increases, promotional offers, and game enhancements.
“When players opt into Keno Bonus, they unlock the chance to multiply their winnings by up to ten times, while the Replay option adds another layer of excitement.
“Many players are still unaware of these features, making it vital for staff to start conversations and educate them on the full range of Keno possibilities!”
Mr Harrison said the solid Keno performance at Victorian clubs last financial year laid a strong foundation for continued success in FY26.
“Clubs across Victoria are embracing fresh approaches to elevate the customer experience, and Keno’s rising popularity is playing a key role in that journey,” he said.
“There’s also a wide array of Keno resources available to clubs, from eye-catching point-of-sale materials to engaging promotions, all designed to keep the game front and centre.
“As the new financial year unfolds, Keno is looking forward to celebrating more big wins for Victorian club patrons, and more success stories for the clubs that host them.”
Contact your Business Development Manager to find out how Keno can best support your club in FY26.
Visit Keno Connect for more information on maximising Keno in your club - www.kenoconnect.com.au
