Sunbury United Sporting Club, based in Langama Park, Sunbury, Victoria, announced it would cut down on its Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) license capacity. Although somewhat uncommon, this move aligns perfectly with the continuing attempts of the Hume City Council to abate gambling harm in the community.
From the current total of 50 EGMs, the sporting club will reduce them to 40 via an application to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC). The media release by Hume City Council has identified the club’s decision to do so as “a historic change”.
Additionally, the club has filed another request to the Hume City Council regarding planned extensions. Besides a new children’s playground, the club intended to add an area that would be designated for various social gatherings and get-togethers.
Cr Naim Kurt, Mayor of Hume City, commented on the sporting club’s decision to reduce its current license capacity. He said that this initiative was welcome and allied with the Council’s ultimate aim to bring gambling-related harm to a minimum.
Furthermore, the city’s mayor shared his contentment and said that the reduction, along with the Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, would substantially improve the responsible gambling environment in the area. He would ensure that no additional EGMs could operate in areas managed or operated by the Hume City Council.
Mr. Kurt also spoke about his expectations for further reductions in the number of EGMs across the area. He identified the club’s decision to cut down on its present license capacity as “a positive first step”. The city’s mayor also noted that the planned extensions to the club would bring about “positive recreational benefits for locals and a more family-friendly environment”.
The Hume City Council expressed its support for the planned extensions and the reduction in the license capacity alike.
The Initiative Will Promote the Protection of Vulnerable Community Members
As multiple pieces of research have indicated, sporting clubs and the benefits they provide create favourable conditions for vulnerable community individuals and help them stay protected from gambling-related harms.
Nat Perri, President of Sunbury United Sporting Club, also commented on the company’s intentions to renovate its grounds and introduce innovations that would ultimately improve sporting club culture. He also said that the new additions to the recreational facilities of the club would help it welcome more patrons and live up to their expectations.
As the council’s press release stated, the initiative to reduce the number of EGM license capacity is among the state’s priorities as well.
In conclusion, the Hume Council prompted the multiple club and hotel facilities across the city to similarly promote their recreation facilities to provide the community with more options to relax and recreate, other than gambling.
- Author
Daniel Williams
