Strong reaction from @Fozdog.
I’m guessing that @Fozdog is not actually a member and hasn’t taken the time and effort to read the proposal. Much easier to be outraged rather than informed.
The lease is worth what, $100M?
The money doesn’t evaporate if we get rid of them
Tim Costello is a paid-up member. And we want him (and not his scumbag brother) for our No.1 ticket holder.
Revenue from pokers equals money lost by the players and in many cases this means they can’t put food on the table.
You should be quoting profit from the poker machines venues and it’s no where near $5m let alone $10m. I recommend you read the last annual report.
Another god bothering loon that believes in sky fairies
I’m not in support of removing them without replacement business. The pokies bring patrons into the restaurants and bar in the venue which is profitable.
The pokies are also a meeting place and an enjoyable pastime for many users. As I said, if there was replacement commercial ventures I’d be ok exciting. Until then, I’m not supporting the removal of them.
That’s a valid stance, just don’t make up the numbers to suit your position. It’s good to discuss issues but at least base your argument in proven facts.
With respect, it’s about revenue and profit. The $5-10M in revenue provides important and necessary cashflow for the club year round. This is especially important in the period between July-October when cash flow is much lower whilst wages need to be paid etc. So, it’s not just about profit.
Wow, ok…
Think you will find the net profit is in the order of $5 million plus.
I accept your views on the harm that problem gambling causes, from all forms of gambling and the support in place while good could be better.
Instead though of putting the onus on EFC, perhaps you should lobby Government for a total ban on all forms of gambling. Both Melton and Windy Hill have TAB as well.
I played the pokies at Crown today. I set limits and today it was $50. When I reached $140.27 in credit, I cashed out and went home. Perhaps my only winning day this year, but to my surprise on the Tally that Crown keep for me, I am a very little bit in front for 2024.
The other approach that could be taken is suggesting to EFC other investments for the $80 million or so they could get from selling their pokie licenses. Just an idea.
Nanny state
You can’t stop people from doing what they enjoy even if it’s harmful
No one makes you play the pokies it’s a personal choice made by adults.
So is drink driving
According to the annual report the profit from venues was:
2022 $3,370,000
2023 $2,947,000
The general trend for hospitality in 2024 was a further decline in profit due to a large increase in costs and negligible change in revenue.
It’s a declining industry and we should be looking for the exit door simply based on falling returns let alone social issues.
One is legal, one is not.
That is an almighty stretch.
Better video version:
Not sure if people here have read the article in the Age?
The resolution being proposed does not seek to ban pokies. It seeks to require the club to post a statement in its annual report acknowledging that electronic gaming machines (EGMs) cause social harm and, as a result of its 191 EGMs, Essendon is causing social harm.
This should keep pressure on the club to seriously look for alternative revenue streams without forcing it to give up its addiction to gambling in the short term.
3 paid up members here keyboard warriors. I guess just like you, I’m allowed a strong response. Yes there are people who can’t control themselves, but that is pretty normal in all facets of life. Eat too much fast food, drive too fast, smoke those cigarettes and like the Aussie flag. Too bad, we will get rid of it for all. It just annoys me because once you fix one”problem” you roll on to killjoy something else.
Obviously believe figures you put up.
I do know that Melton Club like many gambling venues and other entertainment venues have not recovered to pre-COVID attendance figures.
If you go to Crown at any time, it has less patrons than I have seen for years, even on Saturday and Sunday nights. They are making big structural changes to get more people back through the doors and a lot of it is not gambling related. They have also made good changes with regards to both gambling processes and support for people with problems. The need to set times and money limits, although up to the individual what they set has had a positive effect.
The real question though is how many problem gamblers do it on line at home, which is more dangerous, and without massive regulations.
And the other factor is the increased costs of food and drinks at all venues, and many struggling with poor disposable income.
However as many others state, pokies are not illegal and the Club has a major investment. Though given the pressure on Government from all sides, I would suspect that the value of that investment is falling. I would be suggest selling out before it is worthless.
I agree with your view, and it is p1sspoor for your Membership to be attacked.