ANTI-GAMBLING groups are concerned over a not-for-profit organisation’s plan to use poker machine profits to fund cycling projects.
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Goldfields Cycle Sport will operate as a not-for-profit sporting organisation out of the iconic City Family Hotel from August.
It intends to fund resources for the central Victorian race, recreational and commuter cycling communities using profits from the existing pokies licence and a new cafe that is set to open in the historic building.
Anglicare Victoria Bendigo regional director Francis Lynch during 2016/17 more than $47 million – or $130,000 a day – was lost through poker machines in the City of Greater Bendigo.
“We are concerned by any development that increases the risk of gambling harm in our community,” he said.
“We do not need more access to poker machines in Bendigo – either from new machines or through re-activating machines that are currently unused. It doesn’t matter who the licensee is or how the proceeds are used.
“Last year our Gambler’s Help counsellors helped more than 460 people experiencing gambling harm – but we know this is just the tip of the iceberg as only about 1 in 10 people experiencing harm seeks help.”
City of Greater Bendigo director health and wellbeing Vicky Mason said having access to pokie machines is considerable risk for the community, no matter the good that is gained via community contributions to local programs.
“Support for improving physical activity is to be applauded, but when it is done so by the harm from pokies, it is detrimental,”
“However, it will not be the only facility that uses such a model to deliver benefits to the community. This is a similar model used across Victoria, where a percentage of pokie machine takings are used for community contributions.
“It is hoped the new anti-gambling policy will limit access to gambling in the Greater Bendigo in future.”
Alliance for Gambling Reform director Tim Costello said poker machines are built for addiction.
“Poker machines cause enormous harm in the community. So it is disappointing to have something as healthy as recreational cycling associated with the gambling industry in this way,” he said.
“Cycling is a terrific healthy activity which should be encouraged – but it doesn’t need to be soiled by an association with poker machines.
“So many other sports get tainted by gambling money that it would be nice if supporters of cycling could maintain ‘clean hands’.”
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