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Meadow Inn Hotel

EGM-Watch — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:35:41 CST

73 Poker Machines
1435 Sydney Road, Fawkner 3060 Tel: 9359 1666
City of Hume.
Licensed to Tattersall's.
ALE 2011 Property Valuation - $12,750,000
Hotel Website
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $14,206,024 at $167,130 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $13,719,694 at $161,408 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $13,449,948 at $176,973 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $13,418,335 at $176,557 per pokie
2009/10 pokie losses were $12,608,141 at $172,714 per pokie
2010/11 pokie losses were $12,627,871 at $172,985 per pokie

Note that pokie numbers decreased from 76 to 73.

26 March 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
All placed at least above the reel animation placed so as not to be visible when looking into the video play face. Many are placed on the top box. This applies to all pokies except #45 and #11 as these pokies have no sign at all.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Yes. A wooden divider was built around this ATM. However, on the exterior of the divider there is a sign which says "This ATM accepts...." and then displays pictures of all the cards it accepts. This sign is visible while playing many of the pokies inside the gaming room.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
12 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
6

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. "Bar Snack Menu" is a free standing display on gaming bar. Also "Hot Snack Food"

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes

Visibility from Bistro Area
There is a lounge area which buffers visibility and sound. However, there are clear glass dividers to the gaming room. There is a door that can close (it was opened) to reduce sound.

Kid's Play Area
An area had existed based upon reading the signs on a glass door. There is now construction in its place. The word "Kids" is written on the glass of the bistro window on the web site.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
In entrance.

General Comments
The venue hours are prominently displayed on every part of this hotel. This is intended to attract gamblers. A lot of traffic passes by.

6 August 2008 Inspection Notes:

Talker signs on each pokie
All placed at least above the reel animation placed so as not to be visible when looking into the video play face. Signs on pokies #18, 27, 66, 67, and 72 were placed on the top box. This applies to all pokies except #9, 20 and 25 as these pokies have no sign at all.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Yes. Situation described above remains.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
6

Signs in Gaming Room promoting other activities?
All signs encouraged gaming. Jackpot were promoted as ranging around $3500. The only sign not promoting ganbling was a sign visible on the way to the smoker's area which was a Tatt's 'Know Your Limits' poster.

Kid's Play Area
The construction has been completed. Children playing in this area would be able to see the pokies room not only when they are eating but also when playing in this area. The bistro entry passes by the pokies room
The offer of a Kid's Area at the venue is heavily promoted on the exterior of the building. There is a large sign painted on the glass of the play area itself which faces across to the MacDonald's on the other side of Sydney Road. It is as if, the Meadow Inn is inviting children to eat at the hotel instead of MacDonalds as it too is a family style venue. Given the gambling, alchohol and cheap motel rooms on offer at the Meadow Inn, this may not be the case.
Pictures attached show the change in signage that reflects the attempted re-positioning of the Meadow Inn.

Eating Menu for children - downloaded 28 March 2009

kids menu $8
includes a soft drink
ham & pineapple pizza
chicken parmigiana
spaghetti bolognese
mini roast with vegetables
chicken nuggets & chips
fish n chips

Internal picture of play area - downloaded 28 March 2009

16 June 2009 Inspection Notes:

Talker signs on each pokie
All placed at least above the reel animation placed so as not to be visible when looking into the video play face. Signs on 18 pokies were on the top box.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Yes. The back of the top of the ATM remains visible. On the partition itself, there is a sign "Staff Do Not Have Access to the ATM on an A4 size sheet.

Number of Player Information Posters
6

Visibility from Bistro Area
There is a lounge area which buffers visibility and sound. However, there are clear glass dividers to the gaming room. There is a door that can close (it was opened) to reduce sound.

Signs in Gaming Room promoting other activities?
8 signs. All for gambling except for 1 promoting "Set A Limit".

Clock on wall
Above the bar

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
2 Posters. One card holder with cards.

Comments
Watched a man lose $400 on Big Red in about 15 minutes.
RTP on Pokie #10 was 88.98 less 1.0; Pokie #70 was 93.17 less 2.5 for the jackpot and Pokie #30 was 89.40 less 1.1 for jackpot.
New picture taken shows prominent Kids Eat Free marketing. Bear in mind that the venue is located across Sydney Road from a McDonalds.

8 February 2012 Inspection Notes:

Watched a man gamble on 2 machines simultaneously in clear view of pokie room staff. This practice was allowed despite rules being posted on wall near cashier prohibiting such conduct. This indicates poor training or tolerance of non-observance of gaming room rules.
Most talker signs placed well above the video play face. This is worst practice.
Clear glass dividers allow for presence of pokie room lights to dominate eating area as well as child play area. Appears to be in contravention of letter if not spirit of Gaming Charter.

Matthew Flinders Taverner

EGM-Watch — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:37:22 CST

75 Poker Machines
655-667 Warrigal Road, Chadstone 3148 Tel: 9568 8004
City of Monash.
Licensed to Tattersall's.
Hotel Website
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
VCGR determination December 2007 - decrease of 42 pokies

Application to increase from 59 to 80 pokies - a 35% increase.
Despite the 7 December cap imposed upon the number of pokies at the Matthew Flinders Taverner, application has been made for a further 21 pokies to be licensed to this venue.The councilors of City of Monash have unanimously voted to oppose this application. The City's response can be read by clicking here. The matter has been heard by the VCGR and is awaiting decision. The decision was made in July 2009 and approved.
The VCGR web page indicates that this venue is licensed for 75 machines rather than 80.

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $17,993,928 at $171,371 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $18,770,536 at $178,767 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $16,443,341 at $278,701 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $13,452,706 at $228,012 per pokie
2009/10 pokie losses were $13,164,298 at $175,524 per pokie
2010/11 pokie losses were $13,380,825 at $178,411 per pokie

9 April 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Placement on pokies 10, 12, 13, and 57 is opposite animated reels. Placement on pokies 55, 56, and 47-49 are placed high on the video box so as not to be visible when looking into the video play face. All other pokies' sign are placed even higher, on the top box so as not to be visible when looking into the video play face. The sign on pokie 17 is upside down.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
In entrance to the gaming room and bistro to the right. Vision has been obscured by opaque glass. Gamblers' warning sign had been partially ripped off. There are no brochures or card holders. An out of date Venue Operators Code of practice, unsigned by the venue operator is on the wall next to the ATM.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
20 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None.
Poster advertising Matthews Flinders Hotel Auction. "Simply cash in your gaming ticket and receive equal dollar value in auction money".
Tatt's poster advising "Have Fun, Set a Limit" placed so visible when leaving bar.

Number of Player Information Posters
6 in three framed double sided locations. Thereby, the poster over the bar faces inwards to the bar.

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Snack menu in free standing clear plastic display on gaming room bar. "Available All Day"

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes. A woman gambler was observed drinking coffee at pokie #30.

Visibility from Bistro Area
Yes. Across the common entrance. Would be audible when automated doors open.

Kid's Play Area
Yes. Gaming room visible from kids' area across the bobby's bistro through clear glass walls.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
None in car park along Batesford Road. Two signs on one pole in back car park. None on fences. Signs were erected warning that car park was solely for use of hotel patrons. Signs on two gaming room doors.

General Comments
Website promotes "Hardwired Entertainment'.
The City of Monash adopted a gaming policy in 2001. You can read this document here. On page 7 certain measures are stated "To ensure a safe environment for gaming activities and the provision of meaningful information for gamblers." This includes "Tea and coffee to be provided in an informal area adjacent to the gaming room/s, to encourage patrons to take a break from gaming activities."
The City of Monash also created a helpful web page.

8 May 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Many signs still on top box.

Visibility of ATM
ATM area had been cleaned up. Notices on machine refreshed. Out of date operator sign had been removed from wall although the picture hanging nail remains.

General Comments
The graffiti has been cleaned from the "Pokies" sign pictured above although there is graffiti remaining on other parts of the hotel.Overwhelming majority of the large posters in gaming area promote further gaming rather than other activities available in the hotel.

17 May 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Pokies 29, 57 and 50 had no sign at all. 23 pokies had sign placed on the top box.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
At night gamblers can see the colours and outline of the ATM through the opaque glass.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
20 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
VCGR blue sheet posted which contains a paragraph about self-exclusion.

Posters in pokie room? Are there any that promote non-gambling activities in the hotel?
14 posters in lit boxes promoted more pokie gambling. 1 Tatt's poster "Set A Limit". 2 x Matty's Big Wheel Every Friday Night Between 9 and 11PM. There were 5 paper posters on the bar for other activities. These included a "White Winter Weekend", a Rock Paper Scissors event, Wired, and Karaoke. These activities occurred in the Tom Thumb Bar.
On the side of the bar away from the pokies, there was a freestanding A4 sheet in clear plastic promoting involvement with the Edge Community Fund.

Kid's Play Area
There were many families with children eating in the bistro and using the kids play area. While there were some parents in the play area, they were outnumbered by the children. The pokie room is clearly visible from the play area and bistro at night.
The video game area - Dave n' Busters was open. $12 bought unlimited play. The beer logo on the bar was covered by a party hat.

14 June 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
The sign on Pokie 14 was upside down. Pokie 8 had no sign. 20 pokies had signs placed on the top box but at the precise margin between the top box and the pokie.

Posters in pokie room? Are there any that promote non-gambling activities in the hotel?
There has been a positive change in signage. The two large signs affixed to the rows of pokies most visible upon entry to the pokie room from the bistro promote other events in the Tom Thumb bar. Additionally, there were large posters advertising promotions called True Value Tuesday and Friday the 13th.

Eating in Gaming Room
A staff member was observed walking through the pokie room offering gamblers food while they were seated and gambling at their pokies

28 March 2009 Web Page Inspection

In October 2007, it was reported that traces of cocaine and amphetamines were found at this venue. Click here to read the full story.

Website promotes "Super Bobby's Playland" "endless fun for the little ones, more time to yourself" "Our new playroom is positioned next to the bistro area close to everything. So you can keep a keen eye on the kids at play whilst you indulge in a little bit of time to your self."

The children's menu is reproduced below:

KIDS MENU $8.50
ALL KIDS MEALS SERVED WITH CHIPS AND A GLASS SOFT DRINK

GRILLED CHICKEN TENDERS Gluten free
Served with rice and sweet plum sauce

MINI CHICKEN PARMIGIANA
Napoli sauce, ham and cheese served with chips.

HAWAIIAN PIZZA
Ham, pineapple and cheese

SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE
Served with Chips

FISH AND CHIPS

CHICKEN NUGGETS
Served with Chips

CHEESE BURGER
Meat patti, cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo

4 April 2009 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Signs pokies 3, 4, 14, 15, 17, 22, 38, 45, 59. on top box. The sign on pokie #6 was folded back. The bottom of the signs appear to be lined up at or above the credit line.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
The opaque glass around the ATM has a grey wall paper stuck to it that removes vision from the pokie room. There were no Gambler's Help cards on the ATM.

Number of posters in pokie area
6 double sided. One faces inwards to the bar.

External Clocks on walls
1

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
VCGR blue sheet posted which contains a paragraph about self-exclusion.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
2 posters but no cards. No poster or cards in Dave 'n' Busters toilet.

Posters in pokie room? Are there any that promote non-gambling activities in the hotel?
2 x platinum jackpots $4500 - $5000 plus a floor sign. $12.95 lunch. Jackpots $1900-$2000. Set A Limit. 2 x Easter Eggstravaganza - receive an entry from for every $20 spent in the venue excluding TAB, Bottle shop and the public bar. Functions at Tom Thumb. 2 x True Value Tuesday. 2 x win a Dell computer that requires entering the Tatts loyalty program. Sports betting
Ladies Tuesday promotion - Free nail polish, a massage, and a free alcoholic drink. Pink A4 sheet by cashier. Need to be in the pokie area.

Kid's Play Area
23 Children were playing in Dave 'n' Busters.

Commments
Lady served sausage roll while gambling at pokie #22. She continued to gamble.

24 July 2011 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
10 signs placed on Top Box. Nearly all placed above the credit line.

Visibility of pokies from family eating area
Clear glass wall. The lights are a significant presence throughout this area.

Kid's Play Area
Instead of a bar with some video machines this is now a bowling alley called Alleyz Bowl. With a clear glass wall the pokie room lights across the dining area is a significant visual feature.
Games installed include Bonus Spin and A Winner Every Time.

Commments
At 4:29PM watched man (wearing grey hoodie with pink letters "Liberty") walk into the pokie area after sending accompanying minor, by himself into the play area. A staff member with name tag Debbi was close by and watched but did nothing thereby condoning unaccompanied minors at the venue's play area.

City of Monash

EGM-Watch — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:05:00 CST

16 Venues - 1185 Pokies
293 Springvale Road,
Glen Waverley, 3150
Tel: 9518 3555

City of Monash Problem Gambling Web Page

Part of the City of Monash is a capped region. Caps apply to postcode areas 3147, 3148, 3166, 3167, 3168, and 3170. Pokies have been capped at 623 in these areas of the City.

Matthew Flinders Taverner - Application to increase from 59 to 80 pokies - a 35% increase.
Despite the recent 7 December 2007 cap imposed upon the number of pokies at the Matthew Flinders Taverner, application has been made for a further 21 pokies to be licensed to this venue.
The City of Monash has unanimously voted on 22 April to oppose this application. The City's response can be read by clicking here. The application was approved and the number of pokies was lifter to 75.

2006-2007 Expenditure Data from the VCGR all LGAs web page (all figures as at 30 June 2007)
Please note disclaimers on the VCGR web page.

Population per venue	Population (18+) per venue	Net EGM expenditure per person	Net EGM expenditure per adult	Average Metro EGM expenditure per adult	EGM per 1000	EGM per 1000 (18+)	Average Metro EGM per 1000 (18+)
10,297	8,383	$781	$959	$688	7.19	8.83	6.81

Note: There is a calculation conflict between the VCGR All LGAs web page and the VCGR web page for the Shire. The All LGAs web page shows 1,185 pokies in the shire. The VCGR web page for the shire shows 1020 pokies. The City's own web page shows 1,185 pokies and this is the preferred calculation.

VCGR City of Monash Web Page

Hotels Inspected:

1. Century City Tavern - 75 Pokies
285-287 Springvale Road,
Glen Waverley 3150
6. Matthew Flinders Taverner - 75 Pokies
655-667 Warrigal Road,
Chadstone 3148
7. Monash Hotel - 50 Pokies
2071-2091 Dandenong Road,
Clayton 3168
8. Mountain View Hotel - 100 Pokies
186 Springvale Road,
Glen Waverley 3150
11. Oakleigh Junction Hotel - 47 Pokies
1 Portman Street,
Oakleigh 3166
12. The Vale Hotel - 56 Pokies
2277 Dandenong Road,
Mulgrave 3170
14. Village Green Hotel - 79 Pokies
Cnr Springvale & Ferntree Gully Road,
Mulgrave 3170
16. Wheeler's Hill Hotel - 50 Pokies
871-891 Ferntree Gully Road,
Wheelers Hill 3150

Club Inspected:
Vegas at Waverley Gardens - 75 Pokies
Shop 122 Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre
Mulgrave 3170

Comments:

The City of Monash Gaming Policy 2001 can be downloaded here.
The Problem Gambling Fact Sheet issued by the Office of Gaming and Racing of the Department of Justice can be downloaded here.
Clause 52.28-2 of the City of Monash Planning Scheme provides as follows:

"52.28-2 Permit requirement
A permit is required to install or use a gaming machine.
This does not apply in either of the following circumstances:

Clause 52.28-3 or Clause 52.28-4 specifically prohibit a gaming machine.
the gaming machine is in an approved venue under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 on 18 October 2006 and the maximum number of gaming machines for the approved venue on 18 October 2006 is not exceeded."

The whole of the Monash Town Planning Scheme can be downloaded here.

Village Green Hotel

EGM-Watch — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:55:41 CST

79 Poker Machines
Cnr Springvale & Ferntree Gully Road, Mulgrave 3170 Tel: 9560 8400
City of Monash.
Licensed to Tabcorp.
Hotel Website
ALE 2011 Property Valuation - $17,200,000
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
VCGR Determination December 2007

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $13,709,283 at $133,100 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $14,158,801 at $137,464 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $14,402,372 at $182,309 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $14,031,243 at $177,610 per pokie
2009/10 pokie losses were $14,157,049 at $179,203 per pokie
2010/11 pokie losses were $14,142,301 at $179,016 per pokie

23 March 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
No signs were placed too high so as not to be visible from video play face.

Visibility of ATM from "The Bullions" Gaming Room
There are two ATM machines. The machine in the main entry is shielded by a screen but the sign atop the machine is not. The ATM in the area next to the Village Feast bistro is not visible from any pokie.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
18 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
Six

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Food was being wheeled around by staff to the players at their pokies. Observed people eating while gambling at their pokies. Snack menu posted.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes

Visibility from Bistro Area
Limited from the Village Feast. However there is a large circular dining area common to the gaming room and other bars. The gaming room is visible from this area

Kid's Play Area
Yes. Located at far end of Village Feast bistro. Website promotes Kid's Club and Kid's Parties.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
At all entrances. See picture of sign on tree

17 May 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Signs on pokies 13, 14, 20, 66, 67 and 68 were placed on the top box. Pokies 11, 44, 45 and 56, showed remnants of better placement. All remaining signs were placed visibly from video play face.

Visibility of ATM from "The Bullions" Gaming Room
The back machine in the main entry is visible from pokie #28.

Number of Player Information Posters
7

Eating in Gaming Room
Despite food service being available in venues immediately out side the pokie, there was also food service inside this pokie room. Table and 4 chairs set up in middle of room. Other table and chairs set up near cashier.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes. Freestanding poster on bar states "Free Free Free Cappuccinos Cafe Latte & Hot Chocolate When Playing Our Machines All Day Every Day In The Gaming Room "Ask Our Friendly Staff""

Visibility from Bistro Area
Limited from the Village Feast. However there is a large circular dining area common to the gaming room and other bars. The gaming room is visible from this area

Kid's Play Area
Yes. Hooley Dooleys coming 3 July.

Posters in Gaming Areas
2 posters for musical acts coming to the hotel. 7 posters for promoting pokie gaming. 1 poster for KENO. 1 poster regarding smoking areas. Visible on exit were A3 size posters for "Village Feast Senior Lunch All You Can Eat and a "Seniors Day Out".

General Comments
The venue is located across the street from a Centro shopping mall

14 June 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Signs on pokies 13, 14, 20, 66, 67 and 68 that had been placed on the top box were moved. The sign on pokie #28 was placed well to the rear of the machine.

Visibility of ATM from "The Bullions" Gaming Room
To obscure visibility, a portable sign promoting functions at the hotel had been placed in the window between the ATM and the pokie room. This observation relates to the ATM placed in the 'main' entrance between the pokie room and the sports bar.

Web Site Inspection 29 March 2009

Reproduced below is the menu targeted at children:

Kids Meals $8.50
Children under 12 only
Includes a glass of soft drink
Mini chicken parmagiana - Napoli sauce, ham and cheese served with chips
Hawaiian Pizza - Ham, pineapple and cheese
Spaghetti Bolognese
Fish and Chips
Chicken Nuggets and chips
Cheese Burger - Meat patti, cheese, lettuce, tomato amd mayo

Reproduced below is the Kids Party promotion:

$11.95 per child includes:
1yo - 12yo
*Lolly bags & helium balloons.
*Platters of hot food & fairy bread
*Ice cream birthday cake
*endless soft drink
*Use of the play area & Playstations
* A host for the duration of the party

4 April 2009 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 talker signs
Many signs opposite the animated reels. Some were placed to the rear of the pokie

Visibility of ATM from "The Bullions" Gaming Room
No cards on ATM between pokie room and the eating area. A regulation 17 sign was affixed to the ATM.
The venue has placed a black partition and a banner in the area where the ATM is located between the car park entrance and the sports bar. This stops vision.
It is noteworthy that the 2 ATMs are placed on either side of the pokies area but not near the TAB nor in the sports bar.

Number of Player Information Posters
7

Eating in Gaming Room
Despite food service being available in venues immediately out side the pokie, there was also food service inside this pokie room. Table and 4 chairs set up in middle of room. Other table and chairs set up near cashier.

Visibility from Bistro Area
Limited from the Village Feast. However there is a large circular dining area common to the gaming room and other bars. The gaming room is visible from this area

Kid's Play Area
Over 15 children in line for eating area. The queue was so long it extended nearly to pokie room entrance. As pokie room has no solid walls, children in line were observed looking into the lights of the pokies.
Winner Every Time machine in the child play area.
Picked up flyers for Kids Club V.I.P. Nights. Also Ancient Battle for 25 April which is a kick boxing fight. No mention on flyer whether it was suitable for children or not.
Upon entry to eating area entrance; promoting Powerpuff Girls poster for 9 April.

Gambler's Help Poster/Cards in toilet
2 posters but no cards in pokie room
No poster or cards in sport's bar.
1 poster but no cards in TAB toilet.

Posters in Gaming Areas
KENO display on every table in pokies area.
In the entry area were 2 x Wild Cash Platinum posters promoting $4500 - $5000 posters. Club KENO freestanding poster. 2 x Easter Eggstravaganza. 2 x pokies. Babba (Abba impersonators), Smoking Area and KENO.

24 July 2011 Inspection Notes:

Encouraging presence of children
Remains extensively promoted on venue exterior.
Large display for Kids Shows immediately outside pokie room with large TV set scrolling kids events. This located near the end of the queue area for the meals room.
The Village Green has a Kids Club.

Sandown Park Hotel

EGM-Watch — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:34:59 CST

90 Poker Machines
Cnr Princes Highway and Corrigan Road, Noble Park 3174 Tel: 9546 5755
City of Greater Dandenong.
Licensed to Tattersall's.
Hotel Website
ALE 2011 Property Valuation - $9,625,000
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
VCGR determination January 2003
VCGR determination December 2007

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $11,468,969 at $117,030 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $11,099,627 at $113,262 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $11,530,148 at $128,113 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $11,841,471 at $131,572 per pokie
2009/10 pokie losses were $11,661,941 at $129,577 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $12,097,642 at $134,418 per pokie

22 March 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
11 were placed high so as not to be easily visible from video play face. Very visible next to the 5 roulette game terminals. Sign upside down on pokie 56.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
No. ATM located in main entrance.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
26 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
Six

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Toasted sandwiches available for $4.00.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes

Visibility from Bistro Area
Yes. Patrons will enter through a shared entrance. Gaming room to the right.

Kid's Play Area
Yes. Kids eat free Wednesday. Located at far side of bistro area from gaming room.

General Comments
Two Car/Child waring signs in main car park. Sign pictured on tree faces Corrigan Road car park. No brightly painted signs for hotel on other side of Corrigan Road.
Roulette games shows: previous winning numbers, hot numbers, cold numbers, red v. black and odd v. evens. Does this imply that the longer one plays certain combinations, the odds of winning might increase?

21 June 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Pokies 13, 35, 56, 66 and 81 were missing signs. Sign on pokie 9 was on top box.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
In addition to the ATM located in main entrance there is another ATM in the TAB which is also not visible.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None. ALH, Schwarz and Code posters on wall.

Number of Player Information Posters
Seven although 4 are placed above the glass wall to the car park and are close to the ceiling. Compare practices of Ace Sporting Club (associated with Safeway / Woolworths) which had placed signs at eye level on their glass wall.

Eating in Gaming Room
Eating observed at table near entrance to the TAB. No divider between this table and the pokies. Less than 2 metres away.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Observed gambler being served coffee while gambling at pokie.

External clocks on walls
Behind cashier

Kid's Area visibility
Limited by wooden slats on glass wall

Posters in Pokie Room
When entering the room in the main entrance the signs promote Free Fuel Frenzy, Platinum Jackpots and Cocktail of the month.
Poster promoting a Coke / Olympics contest is visible when emerging from the smoking area.
Observed a totally digital sign. All screens promoted pokie playing.
Poster for Bonanza Voucher Wednesdays.Next to cashier was a lit sign promoting a Rock and Roll night on 26 July.
Also a Morning Melodies poster.

General Comments
Pokie room visible to street through tall large glass window.

Web Site Inspection - 28 March 2009

See poster to the right for Children's Birthday Parties at this pokie pub.
Children's menu reproduced below:

kids menu includes a free soft drink $8.00
roast of the day
nuggets and chips
fish and chips
chicken schnitzel
spaghetti bolognese

8 November 2009 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 talker signs
All at top of animated reels or above

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
In entrance from car park.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None. AHA cardholders at cashier had cards for the venue in them.

Number of Player Information Posters
6 counted.

Eating in Gaming Room
Not observed.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Gamblers brought coffee and beer and continued gambling at pokie.

Kid's Area
Located at other end of eating area. Pokie sound and vision present throughout eating area. See picture. Chocolate Factory and Everyone Wins coin operated machines located in child play area. See picture.

Promotional Posters in Gaming Room
Morning melodies, Andrew Hosking (in corner), Tatt's Pokies - More Jackpots in entrance, Set A Limit, 2 x Texas Hold 'Em, 2 x Membership, 2 x Member's Wednesday promoting register at 7PM and win at 9:30, Showcase, Functions.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
2 x Posters plus cards. Nothing in dining area toilet.

General Comments
Staff walk around putting chairs in place and collecting glasses.
Lost $17 in one hour betting 5¢ per button push on one line only. Noted that here was a sound whenever a Southern Cross symbol appeared 1st, 2nd or 3rd indicating that free spin round was possible.
I could not get tracking to work. I asked attendant at cashier what I did wrong. She stated that I had to ask staff first when I wanted to track.
Remained at this venue for over an hour. No PA announcements made encouraging breaks.

24 July 2011 Inspection Notes:

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
Colour card to the right of the cashier. No brochures at cashier. Only small self exclusion card.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
2 x Posters plus cards. Cards placed backwards on the ATM in the entrance.

Visibility and Audibility of Pokies from dining area
Dining room is large but there is a huge table near pokie entrance. Pokie entrance has no doors.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Gamblers brought coffee and beer and continued gambling at pokie.

Kid's Area
As before. Promotional sign on highway targeting families with children.

Promotional Posters in Gaming Room
Food, Corporate Functions. A poster promoted Tuesday - Grocery Giveaways, Wednesday - Meat Tray, Thursday - Fruit and Veg, Friday Ladies Day. Gala Night on 1st Wednesday of the month.

Sands Hotel at Carrum Downs

EGM-Watch — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:18:05 CST

70 Poker Machines
Cnr Hall & Cadles Roads, Carrum Downs 3201 Tel: 9788 9900
City of Frankston.
Licensed to Tattersall's.
Hotel Website
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $9,547,570 at $136,394 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $9,648,214 at $137,832 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $10,886,882 at $155,527 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $11,153,088 at $159,330 per pokie
2009/10 pokie losses were $10,229,443 at $146,135 per pokie
2010/11 pokie losses were $10,143,851 at $144,912 per pokie

10 April 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
11 signs are placed to partially intersect with the viewing plane of the animated reels. Did not record the positions of the balance of the signs.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Yes. The 'stained' glass shield built to surround does not block vision and the shape of the ATM is visible. It can be seen from pokies 34, 35, 40 and 47.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
19 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
5

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Free standing display on bar. Menu fixed to wall of gaming room.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes. Watched gambler being served coffee while gambling at pokie #50.

Visibility from Bistro Area
The area next to the gaming room is called Dunes and offers wood fired pizza. The entranceways between these rooms are wide open allowing the pokies to be both seen and heard. There are no doors.

Kid's Play Area
Two areas. One is a room called 'Grommets'. It has a door. Inside there are video games and what looks like a party function room. When leaving Grommets, the open entrance to the gaming room is immediately in front.
The other play area is outside. The entrance is adjacent to the gaming area. A claw machine called "Win and Grin" is installed in the entrance to the play area.There is a large outdoor undercover eating area next to the playground set. In this area is a large poster for "Texas Hold 'Em - Thursday Nights at 7PM".

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
Placed in entrances and on side of building. Did not record placement in car parks.

General Comments
This hotel looks to be recently constructed.
Observed two young children wandering unaccompanied in the Dunes bistro area. Recollection is that they looked into 'Grommets' then opened the door to the play area. They were still in the play area unaccompanied after about 10 minutes.
Around 4:40PM a couple (pregnant wife) came in with their small child. They opened the door and went into the Grommets room with their child and came out. They went to sit in one of the dining booths in the Dunes bistro and seemed to have been told that there was no service. The father then went to the nearest bar which was in the gaming room and bought a beer. The mother and child went to sit in the undercover outside area. The kid played in the play area while the parents sat immediately outside.

12 April 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Re-inspection of sign placement. 8 signs were placed opposite the animated reels.19 signs were placed above the credit line including signs placed on the top box. The balance were at varying places in between. None of these would arguably be visible to the gambler while gambling on the pokie.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
No signs in the car park themselves. Several on the hotel building itself. One sign by the car park entrance was obscured by plants. Another was stuck on a wooden column in the entrance to the gaming room.

General Comments
A corrugated plastic wall had come loose and fallen down in the undercover sitting area next to the kids' play area.

28 August 2008 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker signs
All opposite reels. Best practice.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Yes. The 'stained' glass shield built to surround does not block vision and the shape of the ATM remains visible.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
5

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Free standing display on bar. Menu fixed to wall of gaming room. Snack menu also affixed to the wall of the smoking area.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
Yes with cards in the toilet accessed through the gaming room.
In the toilet next to the ATM there is no poster nor cards.

Clock on wall
There was a digital clock high on a wall in the cashier's area. This wall does not face gambler's when attending at the cashier's area.

Kid's Play Area
The Grommets play area now has a glass door. The claw machine promoting "Win and Grin" is in this area. The pokies room is now more easily visible for children using this facility. There is also a chocolate vending machine.
In the large outdoor undercover eating area next to the playground set the large poster for "Texas Hold 'Em - Thursday Nights at 7PM" remains posted.

Posters in Gaming Room
4 lit signs. 2 large floor standing signs. All promoted gambling.

Web Site Inspection - 28 March 2009

KIDS MENU
For Kids 12 and under / Includes a soft drink 8.00
Chicken Nuggets & Chips
Fish & Chips
Spaghetti Bolognaise or Napoli
Mini Roast of the Day
Ham & Pineapple pizza
Sausages, Bacon & Chips
Frankfurts & Chips
Calamari & Chips
Vegetables or Salad are available as an alternative with each kidís meal (excluding pasta)

1 May 2010 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker signs
Sign placed on top box on pokie 13, 17, 19, 49-51, 55, 56, 64, and 69.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
Cards by cashier. None by the water station set-up.

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. See photograph of people eating while gambling at their pokies.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
1 poster with cards. 1 Beyond Blue poster.

Child/Car signs.
A tree has been allowed to grow so that it blocks a sign on the building

Kid's Play Area
Stacker and Chocoholic machines placed about 10 paces from the open entranceway of the pokie room. See photograph.

Posters in Gaming Room
Platinum Jackpots in entrance and by cashier. Sunday Giveaways by cashier and in cashier area itself. Showcase in smoking area, a lit poster in pokie area and on the cashier counter. Gold pokie jackpots. Pokie (Thunderbolt?) poster.

24 July 2011 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker signs
18 x signs on top box or well above the video screen.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
Coloured screen off to the side of the cashier area. Not included in brochures near cashier. Some on table near water.
Holder was turned sideways on the ATM.

Visibility and Audibility of pokies from child areas
Yes. No effort has been made to conceal pokies. This is a wide entrance.
Also visible when entering the facility. A constant presence for children.

Kid's Play Area
Children's presence heavily promoted. Andy's Antics every Thursday at 7PM. Karaoke Kids Saturday from 6PM.

Comments
Posters promoting membership in pokie room.
Used Un-Australian poster regarding Kid's Sport in Venue entrance.

Aces Sporting Club

EGM-Watch — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:25:48 CST

77 Poker Machines
Licensed to: Aces Sporting Club Inc.
Cnr Hutton and Springvale Roads, Keysborough 3173 Tel: 9701 5000
City of Greater Dandenong - Licensed to Tabcorp.
2011 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2010 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2009 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2008 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2007 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement

Click here to examine the associates of this venue including Woolworths Limited

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $5,419,845 at $65,299 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $5,388,314 at $64,919 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $5,212,900 at $67,700 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $5,450,616 at $70,787 per pokie
2009/10 pokie losses were $5,244.507 at $68,110 per pokie
2010/11 pokie losses were $5,081,025 at $65,987 per pokie

21 June 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
1 sign on top box. 2 signs were placed above the animated reels so as not to be visible when looking into the video play face. All others demonstrated best practice.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
No. Located in entrance.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
19 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
6. Some were affixed to supports for external glass walls at eye level.

Eating in Gaming Room
Upstairs function room has balcony overlooking pokies room

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes. Bar area shared with bistro.

External Clock on Walls
Yes. Behind cashier.

Visibility from Bistro Area
Yes. Asian Palace restaurant. Separated from pokies room by clear glass wall.

Kid's Play Area
No.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
In entrance area but not car park which is shared with a miniature golf course and a driving range

Promotional Posters in Gaming Room
Gamblers Anonymous signs were placed by the cashier and the water.Wild Cash Jackpots must be won at this venue between $900 and $1000.

General Comments
The Community Benefit for this venue statements show large amounts paid to a sports sponsorship. There is no accompanying detail. This is not the case with other venues owned by football clubs noted in PokieWatch.org. It may be that this statement is providing a distorted view of the benefit of this venue to the community.
This facility is part of a miniature golf course and a driving range. Upon entry there are signs stating that it is a part of the Melbourne Storm social club. This body is not disclosed in the VCGR associated parties web page. John Ribot, chief executive of the Storm is mentioned. The wiki for the Melbourne Storm indicates that the club is 100% owned by News Limited. There does not appear to be any disclosure of News Limited association.
The pokie room has exterior glass walls. One can speculate that at night, the pokies may be visible to passing traffic. Reflective glass restricts daytime street visibility.

1 May 2010 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker signs
Most signs are placed opposite the animated reels or a part of the sign is opposite the reel.

Visibility of offer of self-exclusion facilities
Card holder at the cashier. Also card holder atop the ATM.

Placement of the ATM
19 paces from nearest pokie. Visibility is blocked by a solid partition. Visible on the right when entering the venue.

Coffee / Tea service in pokie room
Woman was drinking coffee while gambling at pokie #10

Visibility and audibility of pokies in eating area
Clear glass wall separate the pokie area and the chinese restaurant. same entrance as the pokie area.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
3 x posters but 2 are side-by-side. 2 x cards.

Posters in gaming room
4 x Huge year. 2 x pokies (Tigress and Big Red). 1 x Wild cash in cashier. 1 x Wild Cash in corner (small). Several smaller posters for alcohol and watch footy and a footy contest. 1 x Wild Cash (900-1000) in on pokies upon entrance to the pokie room.

Comments
Watched gambler lose $347 in 10 minutes.
Woman was playing pokies 42 and 43 simultaneously.
A male gambler played on two different machines. Clearly agitated.

According to a media reports, this venue is under investigation by the Victorian Gambling Commission. Click here to read the story in the Sunday Herald Sun. Click here to read the story in The Age.

The golf prices for this venue note the email address at the ALH group. A pdf can be downloaded by scrolling to the bottom of this web page.

24 July 2011 Inspection Notes:

Visibility of offer of self-exclusion facilities
One rack of brochures was placed inside unattended cashier area.
Brochure was placed amongst others.

Placement of the ATM
Visibility is blocked by what looked like a temporary partition.

Visibility and audibility of pokies in eating area
Have glazed the glass between the pokie area and the Asian Palace restaurant.

Comments
Signage relating to Melbourne Storm has been removed.

PokieWatch Home

EGM-Watch — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:01:47 CST

Objectives and Scope

Objectives - What's this wiki about?
The objective of this wiki website is to provide a foundation to achieve best standards and practices for responsible poker machine gambling.
By inspecting and then reporting upon the actual practices at each venue, this wiki will enable venue operators and the public to work together.
It is the intention of this web site to objectively report what has been observed at the pokie venue.

Scope - Why the Safeway / Woolworths focus?

The largest Australian operator of poker machines is Woolworths Limited / Safeway and its associated companies. Initially, the scope of this wiki was limited to reporting upon the 100 Safeway / Woolworths' and associate's Victorian hotels and clubs covering over 6,700 poker machines.
While this wiki is initially intended to be a collaborative report on whether Safeway / Woolworths is meeting its own standards and its legal responsibilities; by providing on-site information about each venue, it is also intended to assist Safeway/Woolworths with its stated goal to be a leader in responsible poker machine operations.
South Australian and Queensland venues have been added and many Coles / Liquorland owned venues have been inspected. Coles / Liquorland are associated with over 80 pokie venues.
Other venues promoting children's meals or playgrounds are also included.
Constructive collaboration between the community and the venue operator (whether it be Safeway/Woolworths, Coles/Liquorland or other hotels and clubs) will lead to more responsible gambling processes.
Further inspections will help too.

Safeway/Woolworths Own Standards
The former Chief Executive Officer of Safeway/Woolworths, Michael Luscombe, stated that it is his company's internal covenant to take a leadership position in the area of problem gaming and that Safeway/Woolworth takes its responsibilities "very very very seriously". His statement sets standards for his company.

Michael Luscombe's Statement
This statement was made to Woolworths Limited's shareholders at their Annual General Meeting on 16 November 2007 in response to a question asked by Stephen Mayne, a Woolworths shareholder.

"We don’t have ATMs in our gaming areas. We don’t cash cheques in those hotels. We do have facilities for self barring in all of our hotels. (Is that right, Bruce? Right?). On all of our gaming machines there are signs talking about the fact that you cannot win on those machines, right in front of the face of that area. We don’t allow people to eat in those areas. There are clocks in all of the gaming areas so people understand how long they’ve been there.
We take this very very very seriously. And… I’m a little bit disappointed that a shareholder would not have recognised it when visited one of our hotels that that’s the case. Because I can assure you that from the ALH board down and the management of Bruce Mathieson senior, in particular, take this very very seriously.
And we want to take a leadership position on this in our industry. In fact, our internal covenant for that is, in fact, to take a leadership position in the area of problem gaming."

To listen to the audio of Mr. Luscombe's standards statement in its context please click on the video logo below:

Latest News and Opinions

about the conduct of the pokie business are expressed on the PokieAct blog . The latest three headlines appear below. You can view a feed of this blog by clicking on the word "PokieAct" immediately below:

If you are concerned about the presence of children in pokie pubs and clubs, you can sign the electronic petition at www.PokieAct.org

The Petersham Bowling Club
Here's the story of one of the oldest bowling clubs in Australia that decided to embrace local families and get rid of its pokies. Four years later, the PBC is a vibrant community focused club that provides food, live music and friendship.
Click here to check out the PBC.

City of Greater Dandenong

EGM-Watch — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 02:09:52 CST

16 Venues - 1,078 Pokies
39 Clow Street,
Dandenong, 3175
Tel: 9239 5100

City of Greater Dandenong Gambling Web Page

The City of Greater Dandenong is a capped region. The maximum permissable pokies according to the VCGR web site is 989.

2006-2007 Expenditure Data from the VCGR all LGAs web page (all figures as at 30 June 2007)
Please note disclaimers on the VCGR web page.

Population per venue	Population (18+) per venue	Net EGM expenditure per person	Net EGM expenditure per adult	Average Metro EGM expenditure per adult	EGM per 1000	EGM per 1000 (18+)	Average Metro EGM per 1000 (18+)
7,898	6,238	$870.78	$1,102.60	$688	8.53	10.80	6.81

Note: There is a calculation conflict between the VCGR All LGAs web page and the VCGR web page for the Shire. The All LGAs web page shows 1,078 pokies in the shire. The VCGR web page for the shire shows 989 pokies. The City's own web page shows 1,078 pokies and this is the preferred calculation.

VCGR City of Greater Dandenong Web Page

Hotels Inspected:

6. Keysborough Hotel - 89 Pokies
Cnr Corrigan & Cheltenham Rds,
Keysborough 3173

10. Nu Hotel aka Players Hotel - 25 Pokies
1-5 Scott Street,
Dandenong 3175

12. Sandown Park Hotel - 90 Pokies
Cnr Princes Highway and Corrigan Road,
Noble Park 3174

16. Waltzing Matilda Hotel - 80 Pokies
856-868 Heatherton Road,
Springvale 3171

Comments

Boundary Hotel

EGM-Watch — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:19:40 CST

90 Poker Machines
726 Centre Road, Bentleigh East 3165 Tel: 9570 7044
City of Glen Eira
Licensed to Tabcorp
Hotel Website
ALE 2011 Property Valuation - 19,425,000
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $10,809,998 at $120,111 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $11,759,675 at $130,663 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $11,811,893 at $131,243 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $12,251,906 at $136,132 per pokie
2009/10 pokie losses were $12,997,688 at $144,419 per pokie
2010/11 pokie losses were $12,913,340 at $143,482 per pokie

13 March 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
All pokies had signs. Position of signs on each machine not recorded.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Barely out of sight. Placed in entrance to the hotel from the car park.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
6 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. During the inspection a Boundary Hotel staff member was observed serving food to a gambler while seated and playing.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes

Visibility from Bistro Area
Limited.

Child Play Area
Yes.

General Comments
The kids play area is located directly across the entrance from the pokies. Gaming room is clearly visible through a clear glass divider from the kids play area.The Boundary Hotel's website promotes "We cater for kids".

14 April 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
2 signs were set too high to be visible from the video play face. #64 had no sign. All other placed well. Near best practice.

Posters in Gaming Area
Required poster number not recorded. 1 poster was hidden behind pokie #6.
Wall sign promoted that "Jackpots won in this venue last month - $99,269"
Other than 2 designated smoking area signs, all other signs promoted gambling.
"Every Thursday 2-3 PM is ladies day"

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Woman at pokie #7 was drinking coffee while gambling.

External Clock
Located on wooden pillar next to cashier's area over David Schwarz poster. It was a Tabaret branded clock.

Comments
For Sale notice on side of building. See picture of the sign and the advertisement that appeared in the 24-27 April issue of The Weekend Australian Financial Review. Note annual income of the property of over $1.2 million. This may be the annual rental income.

24 July 2011 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Most opposite video screen.

Visibility of offer of Self Exclusion Facilities
Brochure holder obscured by purple change cups

Visibility and Audibility of pokies
Visible through a glass door.

Child Play Area
Win 'n' Grin machine installed. Dots on windows. See photograph where the lights of the pokie room are visible through the play area window.
2 children were observed in the child area both without adult supervision.

Posters in Gambling Area
Lady's Day Thursday 2-3PM. 4 x food. 2 x Wild Cash promoting jackpots.
Using Tabaret "You Can Feel It" signs to indicate that a machine is reserved.

Comments
This venue promotes and encourages the presence of children through exterior signs and on its web site. See photograph of exterior advertising and screen shot taken of web page on 8 January 2012.

Keysborough Hotel

EGM-Watch — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:40:57 CDT

89 Poker Machines
Cnr Corrigan & Cheltenham Rds, Keysborough 3173 Tel: 9798 2055
City of Greater Dandenong.
Licensed to Tabcorp.
Hotel Website
ALE 2008 Property Valuation - $13,550,000
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
VCGR determination December 2007

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $14,295,464 at $142,955 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $15,728,815 at $157,288 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $17,426,248 at $195,801 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $17,823,462 at $200,264 per pokie

22 March 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Nine were placed too high so as not to be visible from video play face.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
There is a glass screen erected to hide the ATM. However, the "Cash Connect" ATM sign protrudes above the screen making the machine visible from the pokies.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
21 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
Four

Eating in Gaming Room
Not tallied.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes. Freestanding facility a fixture in the gaming room.

Visibility from Bistro Area
Yes.

Kids Area
Yes. Gaming room visible through clear glass divider and glass door. Four video games provided. For $1 per turn, there was a claw or crane machine called "A Winner Everytime".

General Comments
Party time poster for kids' functions in entrance to gaming room. Observed promotional talker for free face painting for kids every Friday night from 6:30.

21 June 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Pokie #54 was missing a sign. Pokie #70 had the sign fixed to the top box. 12 signs intersected with the top part of the animated reels. The remainder were placed too high so as not to be visible from video play face.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
There is a glass screen erected to hide the ATM. However, the "Cash Connect" ATM sign protrudes above the screen making the machine visible from the pokies.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
21 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
ALH Responsible gaming A4 sheet was posted.

Number of Player Information Posters
5. One poster was placed in a dark corner.

Eating in Gaming Room
No.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes. Freestanding facility a fixture in the gaming room.

Visibility from Bistro Area
Yes. There is a 1.5 metre wall that divides the pokies from the bistro and then a clear glass wall with large openings (no doors) at either end. This arrangement allows for both visual and audible presence for bistro diners to the pokies.

Kids Area
Yes. Particularly visible from the Kid's area entrance is a Big Red poster which depicts a cartoon like kangaroo that is used in the pokie itself.

External Clocks
Yes. Behind cashier.

Posters in pokie room
Welcome and Coke promotion posters are in lit boxes in entrance. There is another Coke promotion. All other lit posters promote more gambling. The poster for the Money Chimes pokie uses the line "You Can Feel It".

General Comments
The glass wall in the entrance way is inscribed with the statement "Fun Is The Name Of The Game". This wall divides the entrance area and the kids play area from the pokies room.The venue has a P.A. as a telephone call was announced.

13 March 2009 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 talker signs
Pokies #49, #19, and #9 were missing a signs. 2 pokies had the sign fixed to the top box. Overwhelmingly, the bottom edge of the signs were placed against the credit line. A few were placed against the animated reels.

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Snack menu posted on wall.

Visibility from Bistro Area
Yes. Open entrances on either side of the partitions. KENO screen located in the eating area.

Kids Area
Can see pokie lights through the clear glass walls of the play area. Poster promoting Friday Night face painting from 6:30. "A Winner Every Time" game is located in the play area.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilets
2 posters. Cards present in a holder. Strongbow poster. Nothing in eating area toilet.

Posters in pokie room
9 posters devoted to promoting gambling were tallied. Uses Tabaret 'You Can Feel It" reserved signs. Huey free standing display when entering the lounge area that is between the pokies and eating areas.

General Comments
On a post in the middle of the pokie room was a statement of rules of play. The last rule prohibited simultaneous play of two pokies.

1 May 2010 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker signs
Most signs are placed at top of the animated reels. Some intersect the top reel. Subjectively about 75/25.

Visibility of offer of self-exclusion facilities
1 card holder at cashier placed with handbooks.

Placement of the ATM
Top lit sign of the ATM visible above the glazed glass partition.

Coffee / Tea service in pokie room
Complimentary coffee station.

Visibility and audibility of pokies in eating area
Photograph of pokie lights taken from inside the child play area.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
2 x posters with cards.

Posters in gaming room
4 x Huge year. 2 x pokies 2 x Wild Cash. 1 x Join in the fun - Tabaret - You Can feel it. 1 x Gaming Room snack menu.

Comments
Watched gambler lose $150 in 3 or 4 minutes. Experienced 7 losses disguised as wins. On $12 win the pokie flashed message "Lucks On Your Side"
Unusual number of $1 pokies placed in pokie room entrance.

Chelsea Heights Hotel

EGM-Watch — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 06:11:19 CDT

40 Poker Machines
1 Wells Road, Chelsea Heights 3196 Tel: 9773 4453
City of Kingston.
Licensed to Tattersall's.
Hotel Website
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement 1st Return
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement 2nd Return
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
VCGA April 2001 Decision - Application for premises to be approved for 80 pokies. Application granted for 40 pokies.

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $4,676,083 at $116,902 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $4,994,712 at $124,867 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $5,101,821 at $127,545 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $5,813,833 at $145,346 per pokie
2 September 2009, 16:30 Inspection Notes
Regulation 17 player information talker on each pokie Yes – 2 mounted on top-box Visibility of ATM from any pokie / Gaming Room Not visible from poker machines room. Situated in entry foyer next to toilet for the disabled. Visible to patrons as they enter poker machine room. Card holder, which is intended for ‘gamblers help’ cards, was empty.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
17 paces
Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
Self exclusion cards (size of a business card) in card holder, turned 90degrees, and mixed in amongst promotional cards for up-coming acts. # of Posters in gaming area 4 offering help for gamblers Display of Responsible Gaming Handbook
None noted

Display of Can Your Really Win brochure
None noted

Eating in Gaming Room Snack menu on wall next to cashier Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room Water and coffee machine. Nothing to indicate it was complimentary or what the cost might be. Visibility and Audibility of pokies from dining area
Visible through glass particularly at night. Not audible. Clocks on any walls? If yes, describe location
One near toilets
Kids Area
Yes – large with chocolate coin operated game
Gambler’s Help notice/cards in toilet
One in bathroom. Poster promoting Leo Sayer on back of toilet door
Child/Car signs. Are they visible in entranceways and in car park?
None on building walls. None noted in car park

Posters in gaming area. Are there any that promote non gaming activities in the premises? 5 Tatts posters promoting gaming activity and 4 promoting alternative activities General Comments Chocolate coin operated game in lobby Poker machine area visible on entry to venue. All children could see poker machines s they entered.

22 March 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
Four were placed too high so as not to be visible from video play face.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Yes. Top visible. ATM located in transit room to function room.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
9 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
Three

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Snack menu. Sausage and Pie talker on counter.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes

Visibility from Bistro Area
Yes. There is a 24 seat raised area divided only by a clear glass wall from the gaming room. The glass wall has some design on it which partially obscures the gaming room.

Kid's Play Area
Yes.

General Comments
In order to get to kids play area, the only entrance is the main entrance. Visitors must turn right to enter the bistro and kids play area.
No child/car warning signs in car park. Signs posted at two entrances.
The City of Kingston adopted a Gaming Policy in December 2002 based upon an extensive research and consultation process which is summarised in the report ‘Striking a Balance – The Impact of Gaming in the City of Kingston’. You can download both documents from the City's website here. In March 2006 a Submission to the Legislative Council Select Committee on Gaming Licensing was made by the City. Read it here.

21 June 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
4 signs intersect the animated reels. All others placed so less visible to the pokie gamblers. 9 signs were on top box.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Visible to the set of pokies ended by #15 and #22.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
8 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None. Blue VCGR page posted.

Number of Player Information Posters
3

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Gamblers observed taking food off the bar and then returning to their pokies.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes but not promoted as complimentary.

Posters in Pokies Room
A lit poster for Rumba Latina is seen when entering pokies room. To the left is a poster for Free Fuel Frenzy. To the right is the Coke / Olympics posters.In the entrance to the function room and in the bistro area are two posters for coming entertainment.

Comments - Marketing to children - March 2009

The website for this venue has a page devoted to Kids Shows. It promotes free entertainment and upcoming paid entertainment. Click here to read the Kid Show page.

Reproduced below is their menu for children. Given the last line of the menu, it is open to suggest that the listing above is not healthy without the selection of the healthy option.

Kids Menu 8.00

For kids 12 years and under (Includes a soft drink)
Chicken Nuggets & Chips
Fish & Chips
Spaghetti Bolognaise or Napoli
Mini Roast of the Day with Vegetables
Mini Ham & Pineapple Pizza & Chips
Sausages & Chips
Chicken Satay served with rice
Calamari & Chips

For a healthy option Vegetables or Salad are available as an alternative with each kid’s meal (excluding pasta)

Set out to the right is a picture from the Chelsea Heights web site. Note Tatts Pokies logo on the man's T-Shirt.

1 May 2010 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker signs
The signs on pokies 8, 26 and 32 were placed on the top box.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
5

Eating in Gaming Room
Observed my associate gambling at a pokie and being served food while he continues to gamble. There was no suggestion that he should take a break. Only a question which side of the pokie he wanted his meal placed.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
1 poster with cards. Another poster frame was left empty.

Visibility of pokies within the venue
When entering through either entrance, families enter directly into an open entrance of the pokie area.

Kid's Play Area
Winner Every Time, Win 'n Grin, Stacker and Movie Stars coin operated games in child area.

Posters in Gaming Room
More Jackpots (freestanding), 100% Kylie Mother's Day Gift Idea, Are you a member posters in the entrance. Platinam Plus Jackpots further inside. Lit blinking signs atop 3 banks of pokies.
At other entrance low 1.25 metre wall. Poster for Rose Tattoo and new Club KENO.
Gold Jackpots (poster and freestanding sign). 1 x Thunderheart.

Comments
Observed child in pokie area with an adult in the pokie room. Asked to leave by staff. Walked through the pokie room on the way out. They then stood by back entrance.

Seaford Hotel

EGM-Watch — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 01:27:16 CDT

105 Poker Machines
Cnr Seaford Road and Frankston Dandenong Road, Seaford 3198 Tel: 8770 5999
City of Frankston.
Licensed to Tabcorp.
Hotel Website
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $16,639,521 at $158,472 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $18,527,245 at $176,450 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $18,716,128 at $178,249 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $19,223,087 at $183,077 per pokie

10 April 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
#49 and #20 had no signs. Observations of other pokie signs not recorded.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
There is an ATM on the exterior of the building to the right of the TAB bar entrance. No gambling problem notices on this ATM. There is another ATM in the back entrance which is shared with the TAB.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
15 paces from the ATM in the back entrance.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
8. 3 are on poorly lit back wall. 2 are above the gaming room bar.

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Snack menu available bistro hours. Sandwiches displayed in glass case.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes

Visibility from Bistro Area
Bistro is on other side of entranceway in both front and rear entrances. Limited visual and pokie noise exposure.

Kid's Play Area
No.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
Signs on both gaming and TAB entrances

General Comments
Using Tabcorp "You Can Feel It" reserved pokie signs which could imply that the longer one gambles on a particular pokie the better the chances might be.
Sign promoting $152,234 won on jackpots at the Seaford Hotel last month.
No external clock on any wall observed.
Other than a sign in back entrance advising about new gaming legislation changes to payout and a Welcome to Tabaret sign, all other large posters promoted Tabaret pokie machine features.
In a decision made by the VCGA in April 2001 with respect to the Chelsea Heights Hotel, it was noted that Seaford was an area "under stress from gambling"

12 April Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
#20 had no sign. The sign on #31 had been placed to the rear of the pokie. All other signs were well placed.

Eating in Gaming Room
6 tables are set up in a group in the gaming area. 4 chairs are set on 5 of these tables. 3 chairs are set against the remaining table.

Kid's Play Area
A large area in front of the hotel to the immediate right of the main entrance was under construction. This is to the right of the Tabaret sign in the first picture. This may be the playground that is coming soon. If this assumption is correct this area enters and is visible directly into the bar of the bistro area.

28 August 2008 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 Player Information talker signs
Most signs were affixed with a long holder that extends between the pokie and the top box. The bottom of the talker was affixed above the video face on pokies # 6, 7, 15, 17, 21, 35-37, 66-70, 82, 83, 95. 96, the pokie opposite #96 with no number, 98 and 99.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Partially visible from pokie #89.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
8. 2 are above the cashier.

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Sandwiches displayed in glass case.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes

Kid's Play Area
Yes. Heavily promoted on premises exterior. Poster for movies with show times in play area. Showing Monsters Inc. Claw game installed with name "Win and Grin".

Clocks on walls
Clock located in rear wall of cashier's area.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
Sign but no cards.

Posters in pokies room
12 lit or large posters all promoting gaming. Jackpot win poster had no number.

General Comments
This venue continues to use Tabaret "You Can Feel It" reserved signs.

Web Site Inspection - 28 March 2009
Reproduced below is the menu targeted to children:

KIDS COMBO
BATTERED FISH & CHIPS	8.00
CHICKEN SCHNITZEL	8.00
CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS	8.00
SAUSAGES & MASHED POTATO	8.00
ROAST OF THE DAY	8.00
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE	8.00
CHICKEN SALAD

1 May 2010 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 Player Information talker signs
Bottom at credit line for nearly all. About 10 intersected the top animated reel.
Old pokie warning sign on ATM in eating area entrance. No such sign on the other ATM.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Partially visible from pokie #89.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
TAB had Betcare self exclusion sticker on the door. 1 set of cards by the cashier.

Number of Player Information Posters
8. 2 are above the cashier.

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Sandwiches displayed in glass case.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes. Woman at pokie #28 drinking coffee while gambling. Watched a woman being served coffee while gambling a pokie #70.

Kid's Play Area
Kids Eat Free on Monday and Tuesday. "Andy's Antics every Friday 6:30 to 8PM - Great Family Entertainment"
Win 'n Grin machine in play area. Watched child play area for 5 minutes. No parent in the play area.
Movies 12PM, 6PM and 7:30PM in the Cub House. High School Musical 3.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
2 posters. 1 with 2 card holders.

Posters in pokies room
Complimentary Tea and Coffee - All day every day. 4 x Huge year (plus table talkers and 20 on-pokie signs). Fast cash jackpots must be won at this venue. Wild Cash. 2 x pokies.

Auction Dollar Promotion
"Collect Auction $ for your chance to win 2 Auctions 6th May and 20th May." "Auction Bucks given away randomly throughout the whole time frame" i.e. 16/4 to 20/5. Observed staff handing out Auction $ to everyone present in pokie area. A large wheel of fortune had auction $ stuck on it that spins every hour and determines the denomination. Large display of merchandise near the bar for the auction that blocked out responsible gaming poster.

General Comments
This venue continues to use Tabaret "You Can Feel It" reserved signs.

City of Frankston

EGM-Watch — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:09:37 CDT

10 Venues - 583 Pokies
Cnr Davey and Young Streets
Frankston, 3199
Tel: 1300 322 322

City of Frankston Policy Web Page

The City's policy is under review.

2006-2007 Expenditure Data from the VCGR all LGAs web page (all figures as at 30 June 2007)
Please note disclaimers on the VCGR web page.

Population per venue	Population (18+) per venue	Net EGM expenditure per person	Net EGM expenditure per adult	Average Metro EGM expenditure per adult	EGM per 1000	EGM per 1000 (18+)	Average Metro EGM per 1000 (18+)
11,952	9,142	$572.59	$748.59	$688	4.88	6.38	6.81

VCGR City of Frankston Web Page

Hotels Inspected:

5. Pier Hotel - 97 Pokies
508 Nepean Highway
Frankston 3199
7. The Sands Hotel at Carrum Downs - 70 Pokies
Cnr Hall and Cadles Roads
Carrum Downs 3201
8. Seaford Hotel - 105 Pokies
Cnr Seaford & Franston Dandenong Roads
Seaford 3198

Comments:

You can download Frankston City Council's Gambling Policy + Action Plan 2005 - 2008 by clicking here. The City has also published a brochure which you can download by clicking here.

It is noteworthy that the City has made the following commitment:

"Advocate to the State Government for Frankston City to be included in the
Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) Cap Legislation and so have a ‘cap’ applied on
the number of poker machines in the municipality and seek a reduction in overall
machine numbers in line with community standards;"

Frankston remains an uncapped area despite the expenditure by its adults being above the average for the Melbourne area.

The City commissioned a $17,000 survey into Young People’s Perceptions and Attitudes towards Gambling. The City stated on page 11 of its 2005 Gambling Policy (page 14 of the pdf) as follows:

"The most popular forms of gambling engaged in by young people were scratch tickets, betting, lotteries and poker machines. Three types of influences on young people gambling were established and they were familial, cohort and societal influences, meaning often young people would gamble with their parents and peers. However, there were young people who did not gamble and this was either because they simply were not interested in gambling or influenced by their perception of gambling and the harm that it caused to others if it became out of control.
More than half of the survey respondents (50.7%) indicated that they had participated in betting on the races. The second most popular activity was the purchase/obtainment through other means of scratch tickets (39.1%). Fewer than 20 per cent (18.8%) had played poker machines in the past month. However, a large percentage of survey respondents (42%) said that they had not gambled in the past month. Young people were more likely to indicate that they gambled ‘accompanying family/friends’ (37.7%) than any other reason for gambling."

The sentence underlined may give weight to the need for particular care when introducing children to pokie hotels.

Mitcham Hotel

EGM-Watch — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:37:00 CDT

100 Poker Machines
556 Maroondah Highway, Mitcham 3132 Tel: 9874 8899
City of Whitehorse.
Licensed to Tattersall's.
Hotel Website
ALE 2008 Property Valuation - $12,470,000
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $9,774,956 at $97,749 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $9,529,325 at $95,293 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $9,562,836 at $95,628 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $9,671,075 at $96,711 per pokie

24 March 2008 Inspection Notes:

'Cannot Win' talker signs
All signs were placed above the level of the spin animation on the video face. 79 were placed on the top box even further above so as to be less visible from video play face. Pokie #4 had no sign. The sign on pokie #77 was upside down.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Yes. Located in Maroondah Highway entrance. A screen has been built around it but the Cash Connect sign shows above the screen. It is visible from pokies 60-62 and 65-66.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
Not measured.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
Six

Eating in Gaming Room
No

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes

Visibility from Bistro Area
Open entrance in middle of bistro area partially shielded by screen. The screen limits both visual and auditory access.

Kid's Play Area
No.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
On building and back door

General Comments
Gaming room visible on corner under a graphic of cash. This may be visible to passing traffic at night.The City of Whitehorse initiated a "Break The Habit" campaign. Find details on it here.

29 October 2008 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker signs
All signs were placed totally above the credit line so that they were not visible from the video face. All except for 19 signs were placed on the top box. Worst practice.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
17 paces.

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None.

Number of Player Information Posters
7

Visible and audible in eating areas
Two entrances on either side of the pokies room bar allow pokies to be both seen and heard.

Eating in Gaming area
Gaming room menu on bar.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes.

Clock on wall
Yes.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
Poster and cards installed.

Posters in gaming room
In the room there are a total of 11 posters and 2 floor displays. 1 x Set A Limit and 2 x Function Room with the balence promoting gambling. Also a large Wheel with prizes plus a spinning barrel for tickets. Promotion of Wednesday Game nights.

Children's Menu - Downloaded 28 March 2009
KIDS MENU 12 years and under
Includes your choice of juice or water 9.50
Fish & Chips Chicken Schnitzel with Vegetables Caesar Salad w/ marinated Chicken
Roast of the Day Spaghetti Bolognaise Chicken Parmigiana

17 April 2010 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker signs
All signs were placed totally above the video screen so that there is no overlap with any part of the video screen. All signs except 2 were on the top

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
On TAB door but not on either pokie area entrances. Cards on table on entrance, by the ATM and cashier.

Visible and audible in eating areas
Two entrances on either side of the pokies room bar allow pokies to be both seen and heard. See photos.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
Poster and cards installed in both toilets

Posters in gaming room
Set a Limit. Jackpot. Mother's Day. Members. Complimentary Coffee. Prizes to be won - last Friday of every month - finger food provided.

Blackburn Hotel

EGM-Watch — Mon, 31 May 2010 22:19:44 CDT

102 Poker Machines
111 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn 3130 Tel: 9894 2966
City of Whitehorse.
Licensed to Tattersall's.
Hotel Website
ALE 2008 Property Valuation - $13,580,000
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $11,948,295 at $117,140 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $12,106,280 at $118,689 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $12,375,523 at $121,329 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $11,865,616 at $116,330 per pokie

24 March 2008 Inspection Notes:
'Cannot Win' talker signs
All except 1 sign were placed on the top box so as not to be visible when looking into the video play face.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
No. In bistro entrance with opaque glass screen. Gambler's notice has been ripped off and brochures placed atop the ATM.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
24 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None

Number of Player Information Posters
7. One poster stick high in dark corner of the gaming room.

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Gaming Menu available 9AM to 4AM daily.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes

Visibility from Bistro Area
No.

Kid's Play Area
No.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
Located on far wall of car park and in entrance.

General Comments
Separate entrance for bistro and gaming room is best practice. Please note middle photograph.
The City of Whitehorse initiated a "Break The Habit" campaign. Find details on it here.

9 September 2008 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker signs
The signs on pokies 11-16, 23-29, 42, 43, 48, 55, 74, 75, 79, and 96 were on the top box. On pokie #55 there was a sign placed lower down that promoted Platinum Jackpots. On 29 pokies the sign was on the pokie but placed above the credit line thereby not visible from the video face. No sign was placed opposite the animated reels.

Number of Player Information Posters
8. 1 was located in a dark corner.

Eating in Gaming Area
Yes. Flourescent menu in lit sandwich case.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Yes. There was a machine with an out of order sign on it. Next to it were trays with instant coffee. There was a lit sign above this area "Refreshments"

Clocks on wall
2 on gaming room walls.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
None in the toilet in bistro next to the gaming room entrance. Yes in the toilet in the pokie room corner.

Posters in gaming room
14 x lit gambling posters. 2 x house rules. 1 x Wheel of Fortune. 2 x floor signs. 1 x fabric.

Comments
The house rules prohibit playing more than 1 pokie at a time. Have observed people in other venues playing two pokies at a time.

17 April 2010 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker signs
Nearly all signs placed at top of animated reels. Pokie #85 had no sign. The sign on pokie #56 was bent back.

Visibility of offer of self-exclusion facilities
One set of cards located at the closed cashier

Coffee / Tea service in pokie room
Woman was served coffee while gambling at pokie #55

Visibility and audibility of pokies in eating area
Glazed glass divider that does not extend to the ceiling. Otherwise, open passageway.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
2 x posters. 1 x cards.

Child/Car signs
Signs on perimeter fence and on the venue building. None in the interior of the car park.

Posters in gaming room
Large promotional display in area between eating and pokie rooms. Posters for Schooner $4.50, 2 x Showcase, 1 x Members, 3 x Jackpots.
3 x Ladies Day - Tuesday - Champagne Beautician Massage your neck or shoulders and paint your nails. In pokie room entrance and also on cigarette machine.

Player Information Display
#97 2¢ Geisha 87.87 - 8.71
#99 Big Ben 88.66 - 10.05
Geisha 88.30 - 8.7 (this pokie was in a different bank of machines)

Comments
Had sticker promoting local drink driving agency in smoking area. Handed auction dollars.

The Rex

EGM-Watch — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:42:19 CDT

57 Poker Machines
Licensed to: Port Melbourne Football Club Ltd.
145 Bay Street, Port Melbourne 3207 Tel: 9646 2224
City of Port Phillip - Licensed to Tattersall's.
2008 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2007 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement

To examine the VCGR's list of Safeway/Woolworths associates click on this link then type in - Woolworths Ltd - in the box for "Approved Associate/Nominee"

Pokie Loss History

An article in the 23 February 2007 issue of the Melbourne Herald Sun revealed that this venue then had the highest revenue for individual club based machines where gamblers lost $1.23 million - about $123,000 a week. Click here to read the full article.

2005/06 pokie losses were $6,610,920 at $115,981 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $6,736,510 at $118,184 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $6,218,747 at $109,101 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $6,500,124 at $114,037 per pokie

23 October Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker on each pokie
The sign on pokie #46 was on the top box. 1 sign was placed opposite the animated reels. The remainder were placed so that the bottom of the sign was opposite the credit line at the top of the video face.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
In the TAB section behind a wooden screen.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
11 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None. Blue VCGR sheet.

Number of Player Information Posters
5

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes. Pies and sandwich menu was a freestanding display on the bar.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Available but not complimentary.

External Clock on Walls
Large Tattersall's clock on the cashier wall.

Visibility from Bistro Area
The whole premises including the TAB is one large room with the bar dividing the two areas. Pokies audible throughout and visible in all parts except for the very front of the TAB.

Kid's Play Area and promotion
None.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
On main entrance. Rex located in the strip shopping area of Bay Street, Port Melbourne

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
Above the hand dryer in both mens and ladies areas. Card missing in men's toilet.

Posters in Gaming Room that promote non-gambling activities available in the venue?
There is no other activity in this venue other than gambling apart from an upstairs area. 8 posters all promote gambling.

General Comments
Brochure holder for regulation 18 brochures also contained promotional brochure for the 2007 piggy bank appeal which had expired over a year before.
7 year old girl observed in TAB section of the premises which has a joint entrance with the pokies room.
While it is possible that all patrons were members not a single person signed membership forms displayed in entry.
Premises strongly identified with ALH. Public service certificates on the wall mentioned ALH and not the football club. Schwarz poster was at front of the cashier although it was obscured by the brochure holder.

The Coach & Horses

EGM-Watch — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:37:08 CDT

77 Poker Machines
Licensed to: Collingwood Football Club Ltd.
33 Whitehorse Road, Ringwood 3152 Tel: 9870 1661
City of Maroondah - Licensed toTabcorp.
2008 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2007 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2006 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
2005 VCGR Community Benefit Statement
Club Web Site

To examine the VCGR's list of Safeway/Woolworths associates click on this link then type in - Woolworths Ltd - in the box for "Approved Associate/Nominee"

Pokie Loss History
2005/06 pokie losses were $5,011,142 at $50,011 per pokie
2006/07 pokie losses were $5,157,999 at $51,580 per pokie
2007/08 pokie losses were $5,320,449 at $66,506 per pokie
2008/09 pokie losses were $5,337,597 at $69,319 per pokie

30 October 2008 Inspection Notes:

Regulation 17 player information talker on each pokie
Except for 6 pokies, all signs affixed to top box and therefore limited visibility at the video game face.

Visibility of ATM from Gaming Room
Top of ATM visible from pokie #68 and other parts of pokie room particularly the cashiers area.

Distance of ATM from nearest pokie
6 paces

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facility
None.

Number of Player Information Posters
7

Eating in Gaming Room
Yes.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room
Not complimentary.

External Clock on Walls
Not noted.

Visibility from Bistro Area
Yes. Wide open shared entrance.

Kid's Play Area and promotion
Yes.

Do not leave children in vehicle signs/notices
Not in entrances which includes main entrance. Only sign noted was on back fence of car park.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
Yes.

Posters in Gaming Room that promote non-gambling activities available in the venue?
9 posters included 2 that advertised trading hours. 1 x floor sign. Also floor display of prizes.

General Comments
Uses Tabcorp "You Can Feel It" Reserved signs. Also posted reserve machine rules on one bank of pokies.
Promotes itself on its web site as "Ringwood’s leading family entertainment venue". "We offer a marvelous indoor kids playground." Despite its status as a club, its web site states "But don’t despair; you don’t need to be a member to join in the great fun to be had."
You can have a look at a web page by clicking on the attachment below.

What does PokieWatch tell me about Victorian pokie venues?

EGM-Watch — Tue, 04 May 2010 07:55:29 CDT

Each hotel website is intended to inform about the responsible gaming practices in place at that venue. The standards for these practices are sourced from Mr. Luscombe's statement, legal requirements and other considerations.

Every hotel web page is a wiki that you can modify or add to. PokieWatch.org has a suggested check list of things to look for which you can access here.
This is not an exhaustive list of everything one might know about each venue. Nor should the information on this site be considered accurate. There is a lot of information gathered here and there will be factual mistakes on PokieWatch.org.
Our policy is to immediately remove any inaccurate or defamatory material brought to our attention and publicly acknowledge and correct all our mistakes. If you believe you've been defamed by anything on PokieWatch.org, email PokieWatch@yahoo.com. Please read the PokieWatch.org user agreement
On PokieWatch.org, you can add to the list of things you think everyone should know. You can correct mistakes. You can add other venues. You can update on venues already watched. For example, there has been no count of information brochures. While all pokies have digital time built in, does the gaming area have a wall clock? Nor has PokieWatch.org tested the check cashing rules or self-exclusion practices. There are certain to be things we missed.
Because more knowledge is likely to build more accurate knowledge, the important thing is to report your own findings on PokieWatch.org.
To access the PokeyWatch.org suggested check list of things to look for click here.

Name, Address and Telephone Number

The name and address of the venue is sourced from the VCGR website. The name stated on each page may change if a different name is used at the venue itself. PokieWatch welcomes additional inspections. It should be easy to find all the venues.

Number of Poker Machines

This information is sourced from the VCGR website. Responsible gaming practices should be the same whether the venue has 25 or 105 pokies installed at the venue.

City or Shire Details

The VCGR assembles statistical information based upon the city or shire in which the gaming venue is located. Recording the city or shire will make it easier to access this information.

The role of the local council is important. In December 2007 the Victorian government issued a progress report on Taking Action on Problem Gambling (you can download it here) where it was reported on page 25 that

"on 18 October 2006, the Minister for Planning amended the Victoria Planning Provisions in order to give local councils greater control over the placement of gaming machines in their municipalities. Previously venue operators did not require a planning permit if gaming machines took up less than 25 per cent of the venue’s total floor space. These new amendments mean that a council planning permit is now required for any new gaming venue or any increase in the number of gaming machines at an existing venue. This gives local councils a greater say in the placement of gaming machines in their communities. In response to these changes, local councils now need to develop their own gambling policy and planning frameworks..."

Knowing the municipal district is vital for a third reason. Whether the net economic and social impact of gaming licenses approval will not be detrimental to the well being of the community of the municipal district in which a gaming venue is located is a key finding that has to be made by the VCGR in certain licensing matters. The VGCR is required to look into this. For full details read the 19 March 2008 decision by the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria which can be found here.

Who is the Gaming Operator?

There are, at present, two gaming operators in Victoria; Tabcorp Limited and Tattersall's Limited. These companies are required to ensure that poker machine gaming is being operated responsibly. Here are links to Tabcorp's web page and Tattersall's web page on responsible gaming where you can find their latest information on their own self regulation practices.

ALE 2006 Property Valuation

In many cases, the real estate of the hotel is owned by ALE Property Group (ALE). On the ALE web site it states that ALE leases these sites

"to Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group Limited (ALH) Additionally, ALH:
are owned by a joint venture (ALH Group)
ALH Group is 75% controlled by Woolworths Limited, Australia's leading retailer. The balance is held by the Bruce Mathieson Group, a leading hotelier.
ALH Group through its ownership of ALH, MGW, BMG and Taverner is Australia's leading pub operator
Woolworths are Australia's leading liquor retailer. Its operations include Woolworths Liquor, Dan Murphy and BWS
Most of the pubs in the portfolio are leased for an initial term of up to 25 years expiring between 2028 and 2030."

Although dated, the valuation of these premises provides perspective as to value of pokies gambling and other activities at these premises.

Hotel Website

The hotel web site indicates how the hotel promotes itself to the public.

Community Benefit Statements

Although recent legislation lifted the requirement for hotels to lodge community benefit statements with the VCGR; examination of these forms will disclose past practices by each venue in supporting the local community. The hotel venue operator had been required to report upon:

	Gifts of funds from gaming revenue,
	Sponsorships from gaming revenue
	Gifts of goods to the community, paid for from gaming revenue,
	Voluntary services provided to the community,
	Expenses claims paid or reimbursed to volunteers,
	Activities subsidised using gaming revenue, where the venue provides a commercial service to members of the community at less than commercial rates

Date of Inspection

It is the essence of this web site that users are encouraged to conduct their own observations and add their own reports to Pokiewatch.org. This includes representatives of the venue and gaming operators. It is likely that the more reports provided the more likely the accuracy. It is hoped that clubs and other hotel venues will be included.
The date of inspection should be noted in every case. It may well be that the gaming environment changes subsequent to the inspection.
Users of this website should note that there is no representation of accuracy as to any reports.

Talker sign on each pokie

The legal requirements for these signs are set out in Part 3 of the Gambling Regulation Regulations.
Mr. Luscombe statement of Safeway / Woolworths' practices is:

"On all of our gaming machines there are signs talking about the fact that you cannot win on those machines, right in front of the face of that area."

The area of focus for gamblers is the animated reels on the video face. That is the only area that could be reasonably interpreted as being 'right in front' and therefore placement in that area has been interpreted as complying with Mr. Luscombe's stated standards. At the very least, the sign should fully intersect with the video space where the gambler's credit or winnings are is shown.
The references to "Top Box" comes from Schedule 1 of Gambling Regulation Regulations 2005.

Visibility and Distance of ATM from Gaming Room

There are both codes of conduct and laws governing ATM machines.
Paragraph 2.2.3 of the Australian Gaming Council's Responsible gaming code issued in September 2001 provided that:

"Gaming venue operators will phase in measures to ensure that ATMs are not visible to any customer playing an EGM."

Paragraph 5.6 of Tabcorp's Responsible Gaming Code of Practice provides:

"We require that ATMs at venues
are not located within designated gaming areas
are not visible to a customer playing a gaming machine; and
have on or near them information on who to contact, should assistance be required for a gambling related problem"

Section 3.5.32A(1) of the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Problem Gambling and Other Measures) Act 2007 provides:

"A venue operator must not provide, or allow another person to provide, an automatic teller machine in a gaming machine area"

Mr. Luscombe stated:

"We don’t have ATMs in our gaming areas."

The PokieWatch.org inquiry with respect to ATMs measures reality. How easy is it for a gambler to get more money from an ATM?

While not in the same room, really, how far away are the ATMs from the nearest pokey?
Do all pokie gamblers have to pass right by the ATM on the way to the gaming room? This way the gamblers know where they are.
Despite the statement of self regulation, can gamblers see the ATM while playing the pokies?
Are all machines labelled with gambler's assistance notices?

Visible posting of availability of Self-Exclusion facilities

Mr. Luscombe stated:

"We do have facilities for self barring in all of our hotels."

The ALH Gaming Code of Practice and Responsible Gaming states:

"We have developed a responsible service of gaming and program, which includes;
staff training in the responsible service of gaming
the prominent display of problem gambling help services and support material
assistance to patrons who approach staff for help
self-exclusion program for patrons who want to address gambling problems"

The seriousness of the commitment to self-exclusion programs is tested as to whether its availability is visibly promoted in the gaming area.

Number of Player Information Posters

Section 16 of the Gambling Regulation Regulations 2005 set out the requirements for the display of information posters.
An attempt was made to count the posters in each venue. In some instances posters, were observed grouped together or, placed in corners, dark walls or close to the floor or close to the ceiling.

Eating in Gaming Room

Mr. Luscombe stated:

"We don’t allow people to eat in those areas."

The commitment to this undertaking can be ascertained by whether there were food menus in the gaming areas and whether people were observed eating in these areas. The placement of tables and chairs within the gaming areas would also be material.

Coffee / Tea service in Gaming Room

Woolworths operates gaming venues in Queensland where one of the features of a responsible gaming venue is that:

"Tea and coffee facilities should be located away from the gaming machines."

These criterion can be found here on a web site of the Queensland government.

The commitment to these responsible gambling practices irregardless of government policy can be tested by observing the availability of these facilities in Victorian gaming areas. Provision of free coffee facilities was also observed. In other words, does Woolworths only observe best practices where it is required to do so?

Visibility from Bistro Area

This criterion flows from Mr. Luscombe's commitment at the shareholders meeting that Woolworths does not allow people to eat in gaming areas. If the bistro area was visually and audibly a part of the gaming room, then even though technically separate, eating in the bistro would be, in reality, the same as eating in the gaming area.

At the Woolworths Limited annual general meeting of 24 November 2006, Mr. Luscombe stated as follows:

"Our aim is to create centres of family entertainment; one where families would be happy to bring their children along for a Sunday lunch. And having visited many of the hotels that have been refurbished and knowing them in their past life and seeing them in their new life and seeing clientele that we have after refurbishing it, I have no doubt we are well and truly on the way to achieving this goal"

Click on the video symbol below to hear Mr. Luscombe's statement in its context of his opening address to that meeting. It should be noted that Woolworths operates pokie hotels in New South Wales and Queensland and his statement about the refurbishment progress may be directed towards those venues rather than Victorian venues.

Boomerang Hotel

EGM-Watch — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:36:06 CST

40 Poker Machines
307 Nebo Raod Mackay 4740 Tel: 4952 1755
Mackay Regional Council
HLG Valuation - $7.7 million
Hotel Website
Hotel Liquor License

3 August 2009 Inspection Notes:

Gambling Helpline or other responsible gambling posters or cards
Cards and pamphlets but no poster at cashier.
Poster and cards at coffee station.
No change machine.

Visibility of ATM from Pokie room.
Located on far side of eating area although visible in pokie room through lattice style divider.

Responsible gambling posters or cards near ATM
Poster - no cards.

Clocks on walls
2.

Coffee / Tea service in Pokie Room
Not near pokies. Occupies own wall space.

Pokie sounds and vision into bistro area.
Open entrance to pokies room on left when entering bistro. Only partially shielded by open lattice style divider.

Kid's Play Area and promotion
None.
Website inspection on 13 December 2009 noted that "Kids Activity Pack with every Kids Meal purchased" is promoted.

Gambler's Help notice/cards in toilet
Nothing but 3 x blank frames. Also nothing in handicap toilet

Description of Talker signs on the pokies
9 x trading hours. 4 x if you want an escort to your car - ask staff.

Posters in Pokie Room that promote non-gambling activities available in the venue
1 x hours. Glass case displaying member reward prizes.

General Comments.
2 x pokies in the public bar (as pictured). No signs on either exterior entrance prohibiting minors. The signs on the notice board to the left of the gambler contin notices as to Helpline, rules ancillary to gambling, ATM restrictions and under 18 not permitted NEAR (my caps) gaming machines.
While visit took place around 11:20 AM, it is possible that these pokies are visible to passing pedestrians at night.
Web page indicates that "The Gaming Room has 40 of the latest gaming machines and the link jackpots" with no indication that there are pokies outside of the pokie room (unlike the Bargara Hotel)

5 x pokies wrapped up in entrance area.