Sunbury United Sporting Club (SUSC) has set a precedent by voluntarily requesting to reduce its Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) licences, in what’s being touted as a win for the community of Hume, in Victoria.
SUSC has opted to extend the club space, adding extra room for the growing number of visitors, as well as adding a new children’s play area.
Understood to be an unprecedented change, the move has been welcomed by Cr Naim Kurt, Hume City Mayor, as it aligns with Hume Council’s Gambling Harm Minimisation policy, which, as well as aiming to reduce gambling harm, ensures no further increases in machines can be made on Council owned or managed land.
“Ideally, Council would like to see the reduction in EGMs go much further, but this is a positive first step and we thank the club for working with us in this space. The Club’s upgrades will create positive recreational benefits for locals and a more family friendly environment.”
The application to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, made under Section 3.4.17(1)(c) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, will reduce the club’s gaming footprint from 50 to 40 machines.
Research has shown that while clubs provide many community benefits, it is also important for clubs to protect more vulnerable community members from harms such as gambling.
Nat Perri, SUSC’s club president, said that being the first to reduce EGM licences was a major driver in leading the way to improving sporting club culture.
“The addition of a new Kids’ Play Area for families, along with our enclosed Pergola Area and our W-Class Tram, we will be able to cater to a variety of patrons. We want Sunbury United Sporting Club to become the first choice of hospitality venues for entertainment, functions and food in Sunbury.”
Hume Council encourages other local venues to look to promoting positive features of each facility over gambling, to provide better financial and health outcomes for all in their community.
