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Decisions from the Public Session of the Meeting held 27 February 2012 –

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Reference Matter PageNo

Regulatory Policy Crown – Redefinition of Casino Boundaries Approval 2 Extension of Time – Nominee – Hampton RSL Sub-Branch Inc

Approval

3

Extension of Time – Nominee – Reggio Calabria Club Inc

Approval

4

Approvals – Licensing Venue Operator’s Licence – EGM Decrease – E Koroneos & Sons Pty Ltd – Norlane Hotel

Approval

5

New Associate – Keno Licensee, Wagering Licence & Gaming Licence –

Michael Warren Scott

6

Roll – New Listing – AD Gaming Pty Limited – Approval 8 Bookmaker Registration – Key Employees– Schedule –

Approval

10

Approvals – Games and Equipment Gaming Machine Game – New – Crown – Inca King 11 Gaming Machine Game – New – Crown – Touch of Magic 12 Gaming Machine Game – New – Tabcorp – Inca King 13 EGMs and Venues EGM Increase (<10%) – Moe RSL Sub-Branch Inc

Approval

14

EGM Increase (<10%) – Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Inc

Approval

19

Release No 1

2

CROWN MELBOURNE LIMITED

REDEFINITION OF CASINO BOUNDARIES

Decision

In response to the Crown Melbourne Limited application of 7 February 2012, the Commission approved two redefinitions of the casino boundaries at its meeting on 27 February 2012, pursuant to section 17 of the Casino Control Act 1991. The approved redefinitions of the casino premises were shown on two plans presented to the Commission. The redefinitions relate to the West End Expansion and Refurbishment Project and the Casino Gaming Floor Refurbishment Project which commenced in October 2006. The casino boundary redefinitions are to:

expand the West End ground floor casino boundary to accommodate an area for Rapid Gaming (Main Casino West); and

revise the architecture of the Sports Casino Lounge Bar entry to the terrace, introduce the new Merrywell Entry to the Sports Casino, and revise the Pit 22 and Pit 24 control zones (Sports Casino).

The net effect of the redefinitions is an increase of approximately 110 square metres to the casino boundary area. Reasons for Decision

The application arises out of the West End Expansion and Refurbishment project.

Crown has adequately demonstrated an operational requirement for the redefinitions as a result of architectural changes made in the closing stages of the project.

The areas involved are within the location for which the licence was granted (the Site), as defined by clause 4.1 of the Casino Licence.

In the course of reviewing the application, Commission inspection staff assessed the areas relevant to the application.

Crown has met all statutory requirements in relation to the application, including paying the correct prescribed fee of $10,307.80 in accordance with the Casino Control (Boundary Redefinition Fee) Regulations 2005, and the 2011/12 fee units that came into effect on 1 July 2011.

EXTENSION OF TIME – NOMINEE –

HAMPTON RSL SUB-BRANCH INC IES

Hampton RSL Sub-Branch Inc applied for an extension of time to nominate a natural person to be nominee in respect of their approved venue pursuant to section 3.4.14(3) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003. The Commission determined to approve the request by Hampton RSL Sub-Branch Inc for an extension of time until 29 February 2012 to nominate a natural person to be nominee and submit an application in respect of Hampton RSL Sub-Branch Inc’s approved venue.

3

EXTENSION OF TIME – NOMINEE –

REGGIO CALABRIA CLUB INC

Reggio Calabria Club Inc applied for an extension of time to nominate a natural person to be nominee in respect of their approved venue pursuant to section 3.4.14(3) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003. The Commission determined to approve the request by Reggio Calabria Club Inc for an extension of time until 10 April 2012 to nominate a natural person to be nominee in respect of Reggio Calabria Club Inc’s approved venue and to apply to the Commission for approval.

4

E KORONEOS & SONS PTY LTD

VENUE OPERATOR’S LICENCE – EGM DECREASE NORLANE HOTEL

Amendment Application No: 933

Venue Operator’s Licence No: V9780045

Applicant: E. Koroneos & Sons Pty Ltd

Approved Venue: Norlane Hotel

Venue Address: 2-6 Princes Highway

NORLANE VIC 3214

Gaming Operator: TABCORP Holdings Limited

Current Number of Gaming Machines: 105

Proposed Number of Gaming Machines: 84

E. Koroneos & Sons Pty Ltd has lodged an application under section 3.4.18 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (‘the Act’) to amend the conditions of its venue operator’s licence to decrease by 21 the number of gaming machines in the Norlane Hotel. The Commission found: that it was satisfied that the application was in the correct form, that the

application fee was paid, that a waiver has been received and that the proposed amendment complies with Ministerial directions pursuant to sections 3.4.18(1)(a), 3.4.18(1)(b), 3.4.19(4) and 3.4.20(1)(a) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.

The Commission determined: to make the proposed amendment to the conditions of the licence by a decrease

of 21 in the number of gaming machines in the approved venue.

5

NEW ASSOCIATE OF KENO LICENSEE,

HOLDER OF WAGERING LICENCE & GAMING LICENCE MICHAEL WARREN SCOTT

Michael Warren Scott lodged an application for approval as an associate of Tabcorp Holdings Limited, the holder of the Wagering and Gaming Licence and Tabcorp Investments No.5 Pty Ltd, the holder of the Keno Licence, as a result of his appointment as an additional company secretary for Tabcorp Holdings Limited and Tabcorp Investments No.5 Pty Ltd.

The Commission found that it was satisfied that:

except as authorised by the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (‘the Act’), Michael Warren Scott does not hold a venue operator’s licence, pursuant to section 4.3.29(2)(a) of the Act;

Michael Warren Scott does not hold a gaming operator’s licence or a gaming industry employee’s licence under the Act, pursuant to section 4.3.29(2)(b) of the Act;

Michael Warren Scott is not listed on the Roll within the meaning of the Act, pursuant to section 4.3.29(2)(c) of the Act;

Michael Warren Scott does not hold a casino licence or a casino special employee’s licence under Part 2 or 4 of the Casino Control Act 1991, pursuant to section 4.3.29(2)(d) of the Act;

Michael Warren Scott is not a member of the Commission, pursuant to section 4.3.29(2)(e) of the Act;

Michael Warren Scott is not an inspector under the Act pursuant to section 4.3.29(2)(f) of the Act;

Michael Warren Scott is not otherwise employed by, or significantly associated with the holder of a casino licence or the holder of a gaming operator’s licence (except for the purposes of the Act), pursuant to section 4.3.29(3)(a) and (b) of the Act;

Michael Warren Scott is of good repute pursuant to section 10.4A.1(a) of the Act;

Michael Warren Scott is of sound and stable financial background pursuant to section 10.4A.1(b) of the Act; and

Michael Warren Scott does not have business associations who or which are not of good repute or who have undesirable or unsatisfactory financial resources pursuant to section 10.4A.1(c) of the Act.

6

NEW ASSOCIATE OF KENO LICENSEE,

HOLDER OF WAGERING LICENCE & GAMING LICENCE MICHAEL WARREN SCOTT

(continued)

The Commission approved: Michael Warren Scott as suitable to be concerned in or associated with the keno

business of Tabcorp Investments No.5 Pty Ltd, pursuant to section 10.4A.7 of the Act; and

Michael Warren Scott as suitable to be concerned in or associated with the wagering and gaming business of Tabcorp Holdings Limited, pursuant to section 10.4A.7 of the Act.

7

AD GAMING PTY LIMITED

NEW LISTING ON THE ROLL OF MANUFACTURERS,SUPPLIERS AND TESTERS

Application No: R1160034 Applicant: AD Gaming Pty Limited Authorised Officer: Phillip Charles Dimond Full Address: 23 Koombalah Avenue

South Turramurra NSW 2074

AD Gaming Pty Limited lodged an application to be listed on the Roll of Manufacturers, Suppliers and Testers (‘the Roll’). AD Gaming Pty Limited wishes to manufacture and supply monitoring and promotional systems external to the gaming machine and interface that is mounted within the machine’s cabinet to be used on electronic gaming machines in Victoria.

Associates Reason for Association

Ann Dimond Director, Company Secretary and Shareholder (100%) of Applicant.

Phillip Charles Dimond Director and Authorised Officer of Applicant The Commission found: that it was satisfied an application in the approved form and the prescribed fee

have been lodged pursuant to section 3.4.61(2)(a) of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (‘the Act’);

that it was satisfied an advertisement has been published as required by section 3.4.61(3) of the Act;

that no objections to the application have been made pursuant to section 3.4.62(1) of the Act; and

that it was satisfied the applicant and its associates are suitable and of good repute, have a sound and stable financial background and have no business associations who or which are not of good repute or have undesirable or unsatisfactory financial resources and that the applicant has a satisfactory corporate structure, pursuant to the criteria set out in sections 3.4.63(3)(a), 3.4.63(3)(b), 3.4.63(3)(c), 3.4.63(3)(d) and 3.4.63(3)(e) of the Act.

8

AD GAMING PTY LIMITED

NEW LISTING ON THE ROLL OF MANUFACTURERS,SUPPLIERS AND TESTERS

(continued)

The Commission determined:

to grant a listing in the division of the Roll for manufacturers, in the name of AD Gaming Pty Limited subject to the following conditions of listing –

a. Submission to the Commission of annual audited financial statements of AD Gaming Pty Limited within four months of the completion of each financial year; and

b. Submission to the Commission of copies of all documents lodged by AD Gaming Pty Limited with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, within 28 days of these documents being lodged.

9

SCHEDULE OF

BOOKMAKER REGISTRATIONS FOR KEY EMPLOYEES

The following persons have lodged an application for approval as key employees of a registered bookmaker:

Natalie Hinkley; and Peter William Jones.

The Commission determined to grant each of the above applications for registration as a bookmaker’s key employee.

10

APPROVAL OF A NEW

ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE GAME CROWN – INCA KING

The Commission makes the following findings in respect of an application for

approval of the electronic gaming machine game Inca King to operate on Crown’s gaming machine network.

The game Inca King has been submitted by Ainsworth Game Technology Limited

for approval. The correct fee has been paid. The Commission approves the game Inca King under section 3.5.4 of the

Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (‘the Act’). Under section 3.5.4(3) of the Act, the Commission, having regard to player return,

game fairness and security and responsible gambling, any standards in force under section 3.5.3 of the Act and the certificate of a person listed on the Roll of Manufacturers, Suppliers and Testers (‘the Roll’), being a person referred to in section 3.4.61(1)(c), may approve or refuse to approve a gaming machine type or a game.

At its 29 October 2002 meeting, the Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority

adopted the Director’s Standards (as approved by the Minister under section 68A of the Gaming Machine Control Act 1991) against which to assess applications for the approval of gaming machine games and types. These Standards are taken to be Standards made by the Commission under section 3.5.3 of the Act.

An accredited tester for gaming machine game testing and listed on the Roll has

tested the game for compliance with section 3.5.4(3)(c) of the Act. The game features associated with Inca King do not differ from those previously

approved by the Commission. No features that may impact on responsible gambling principles have been identified.

Based on the assessment by the accredited tester, the Commission can be satisfied

that the game is suitable in respect of player return, game fairness and security, and responsible gambling for use in gaming.

11

APPROVAL OF A NEW

ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE GAME CROWN – TOUCH OF MAGIC


approval of the electronic gaming machine game Touch of Magic to operate on Crown’s gaming machine network.

The game Touch of Magic has been submitted by Aristocrat Technologies

Australia Pty Ltd for approval. The correct fee has been paid. The Commission approves the game Touch of Magic under section 3.5.4 of the





An accredited tester for gaming machine game testing and listed on the Roll has

tested the game for compliance with section 3.5.4(3)(c) of the Act. The game features associated with Touch of Magic do not differ from those

previously approved by the Commission. No features that may impact on responsible gambling principles have been identified.



12

APPROVAL OF A NEW

ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE GAME TABCORP – INCA KING


approval of the electronic gaming machine game Inca King to operate on Tabcorp’s gaming machine network.

The game Inca King has been submitted by Ainsworth Game Technology Limited

for approval. The correct fee has been paid. The Commission approves the game Inca King under section 3.5.4 of the





An accredited tester for gaming machine game testing and listed on the Roll, has

tested the game for compliance with section 3.5.4(3)(c) of the Act. The game features associated with Inca King do not differ from those previously

approved by the Commission. No features that may impact on responsible gambling principles have been identified.



13

MOE RSL SUB-BRANCH INC

APPLICATION FOR EGM INCREASE (<10%)

Application

1. By application dated 15 December 2011 and pursuant to section 3.4.17(1)(b) of the

Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (the Act), the Moe RSL Sub-Branch Inc (the

Applicant) applied to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation

(the Commission) for amendment of its gaming venue operator licence to vary the

number of Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) at the Moe RSL from 41 to 45.

2. The Commission approved the application at a Public Meeting of the Commission

held on 27 February 2012. All Commissioners were in attendance.

3. The Commission provides its Reasons for Decision in respect of the application

below.

Material Considered by the Commission

4. The Commission was provided with the following documentation by the Applicant in

support of its application:

4.1. Moe RSL Socio-Economic Impact Report, prepared by NBA Group Pty Ltd,

dated 27 October 2011;

4.2. Moe RSL Gaming Expenditure Estimate, prepared by Michael Clyne, dated

August 2011;

4.3. Witness Statement of Ian Frederick Caines, Vice President, Moe RSL Sub-

Branch Inc dated 15 December 2011; and

4.4. Witness Statement of Lisbeth Joan Mary Ross, General Manager, Moe RSL

Sub-Branch Inc dated 15 December 2011 and including attachments:

a. Applicant Incorporated Rules

b. RSL Sub-Branch Incorporated – Responsible Gambling Code of

Conduct, dated March 2009

c. Australian Hotels Association – Victoria Self-Exclusion Program,

dated 20 March 2009

5. Additionally, an Economic and Social Impact Report for the Latrobe Valley region,

prepared by Commission staff was considered by the Commission.

14

Municipal Council Submission

6. The relevant municipal council in respect of this application is the Latrobe City

Council. No submission from Latrobe City Council was received by the Commission.

Relevant Legislation

7. Pursuant to section 3.4.20 of the Act, the Commission must not amend a venue

operator’s licence unless the Commission is satisfied that:

7.1. amendment of the licence does not conflict with a Ministerial direction given

under section 3.2.3 of the Act;

7.2. the regional limit or municipal limit for EGMs for the region or municipal

district in which the venue is located will not be exceeded by the making of

the amendment; and

7.3. the net economic and social impact of the amendment will not be detrimental

to the well being of the community of the municipal district in which the

approved venue is located.

Ministerial Direction

8. The granting of this application will not result in the venue operator’s licence being in

conflict with any Ministerial Direction, current at the date of these reasons for

decision, given pursuant to section 3.2.3 of the Act.

Municipal Cap

9. The City of Latrobe is subject to a regional cap of 522 EGMs. Currently, there are 522

licensed EGMs operating in the City of Latrobe and 522 Gaming Machine

Entitlements have been allocated in the City of Latrobe.

10. In August 2012, the allocation of Gaming Machine Entitlements will change as per the

results of the 2010 Gaming Entitlement Auction (the Auction). At the Auction, the

Applicant purchased an additional 4 Gaming Machine Entitlements which had been

forgone by other venues.

11. As the Gaming Machine Entitlements are, in effect, transferred from other venues, the

granting of this application will not lead to an increase in the number of EGMs in the

City of Latrobe. Therefore, the municipal limit on EGMs is not breached by the

granting of this application.

15

Net Economic and Social Impact

12. In assessing whether granting of this application would result in a net economic and

social detriment to the local community, the Commission took into account the

following factors:

Moe RSL

12.1. The Applicant has 2913 members and provides support to veterans of war,

widows and their dependants. It is the largest RSL within the Latrobe region

and offers support to the surrounding RSL Sub-branches.

12.2. The Moe RSL is a multi-purpose venue providing hospitality services

including a bistro, function room, members lounge, sports lounge, dedicated

smoking areas and a gaming room which currently has 41 EGMs installed.

Previously, the Moe RSL had as many as 46 EGMs approved and installed in

the venue.

12.3. The Moe RSL runs numerous activities, functions and initiatives for the

benefit of its members and the Moe community. The Moe RSL has a

significant positive effect on the Moe community.

12.4. The Moe RSL is committed to being a responsible gaming provider and

adopts and enforces the RSL Sub-Branch Incorporated Responsible

Gambling Code of Conduct. The Moe RSL also adopts and enforces the

Australian Hotels Association (Victoria) Self-Exclusion Program.

12.5. The revenue gained from the additional EGMs will allow the Moe RSL to

provide more of its revenue to providing welfare assistance to its members

and the Moe community.

The City of Latrobe

12.6. The approved premises are situated in town of Moe which lies within the

Local Government Area of the City of Latrobe (Latrobe), located

approximately 120 kilometres east of Melbourne.

12.7. Latrobe has an adult population of 56,055 which is the fourth highest adult

population of the 13 regional municipalities in Victoria and has a projected

population growth rate of 0.4% over the next four years.

12.8. The Equivalised Household Income of the area immediately surrounding the

16

approved premises is approximately 10% lower than the average for regional

Collection Districts within Victoria.

12.9. Moe has a lower proportion of housing stress compared to the average in

Regional Victoria.

12.10. Moe ranked as 39 of 41 most relatively disadvantaged Statistical Local Area

within Latrobe indicating a high proportion of people with relative socio-

economic disadvantage in the area immediate to the approved premises.

12.11. The unemployment rate for the Statistical Local of Area of Moe is

approximately 1.5% higher than the unemployment rate for Regional

Victoria.

Gaming Specific Key Indicators

12.12. Latrobe currently has 9.31 EGMs per thousand adults and is ranked 3 out of

the 13 Regional Municipalities in Victoria in terms of EGMs per thousand

adults.

12.13. Latrobe currently has an adult population per gaming venue of 4312 which is

approximately 25% less than the average in Regional Victoria and 49% less

than the State average.

12.14. Latrobe has the highest gaming expenditure per adult of the 13 Regional

Municipalities in Victoria with an average expenditure of $846 per adult per

year. It is estimated that approval of the application would result in a 0.12%

increase in expenditure per adult.

12.15. Gaming expenditure in Latrobe has decreased by 8.52% in real terms

(indexed to CPI) over the past five years. Gaming expenditure in Regional

Victoria has decreased by 7.95% in real terms over the past five years.

12.16. Notwithstanding Latrobe’s relative high level of socio-economic

disadvantage and high proportion of EGMs for its population, gaming

expenditure has decreased more than the Regional Victoria’s average.

Gaming Expenditure

12.17. The applicant submits that, should the application be granted, the total

increased gaming expenditure for the additional 4 EGMs at the Moe RSL at

17

12.18. The applicant estimates that, due to the number of gaming venues within the

Moe area and the current gaming capacity of the approved premises,

approximately 50% of the increased gaming expenditure will be transferred

from other venues within Latrobe.

13. It is noted that the additional EGMs are estimated to increase the total gaming

expenditure in Latrobe by 0.12% however, that increase is nominal and is outweighed

by the benefit to community that granting the application will bring.

14. The Commission has assessed that the granting of this application will not result in a

net economic and social detriment to the community of Latrobe.

Decision

15. The Commission grants the Applicant’s application to amend its venue operator’s

licence to vary the number of EGMs at the Moe RSL from 41 to 45 subject to the

following conditions:

15.1. The venue operator’s licence must not conflict with a Ministerial direction

given pursuant to section 3.2.3 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (the

Act); and

15.2. The regional cap on EGMs within the City of Latrobe is not exceeded by the

granting of the application.

16. The amendment to the Applicant’s licence takes effect from the day these Reasons for

Decision are published.

18

MORWELL RSL SUB-BRANCH INC APPLICATION FOR

EGM INCREASE (<10%)

Application

1. By application dated 19 December 2011 and pursuant to section 3.4.17(1)(b) of the

Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (the Act), the Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Inc (the

Applicant) applied to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation

(the Commission) for amendment of its gaming venue operator licence to vary the

number of Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) at the Morwell RSL from 42 to 46.

17. The Commission approved the application at a Public Meeting of the Commission

held on 27 February 2012. All Commissioners were in attendance.

18. The Commission provides its Reasons for Decision in respect of the application

below.

Material Considered by the Commission

19. The Commission was provided with the following documentation by the Applicant in

support of its application:

19.1. Morwell RSL Socio-Economic Impact Report, prepared by NBA Group Pty

Ltd, dated 25 November 2011;

19.2. Morwell RSL Gaming Expenditure Estimate, prepared by Michael Clyne,

dated November 2011;

19.3. Witness Statement of Bruce Raymond Jeffrey, President, Morwell RSL Sub-

Branch Inc dated 19 December 2011; and

19.4. Witness Statement of Dennis Raymond Cleary, General Manager, Morwell

RSL Sub-Branch Inc dated 19 December 2011 and including attachments:

a. Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Newsletter, dated September – November

2011

b. Morwell RSL Sub-Branch Incorporated – Responsible Gambling Code

of Conduct, dated March 2009

c. Australian Hotels Association – Victoria Self-Exclusion Program,

dated 20 March 2009

20. Additionally, an Economic and Social Impact Report for the Latrobe Valley region,

prepared by Commission staff was considered by the Commission.

19

Municipal Council Submission

21. The relevant municipal council in respect of this application is the Latrobe City

Council. No submission from Latrobe City Council was received by the Commission.

Relevant Legislation

22. Pursuant to section 3.4.20 of the Act, the Commission must not amend a venue

operator’s licence unless the Commission is satisfied that:

22.1. amendment of the licence does not conflict with a Ministerial direction given

under section 3.2.3 of the Act;

22.2. the regional limit or municipal limit for EGMs for the region or municipal

district in which the venue is located will not be exceeded by the making of

the amendment; and

22.3. the net economic and social impact of the amendment will not be detrimental

to the well being of the community of the municipal district in which the

approved venue is located.

Ministerial Direction

23. The granting of this application will not result in the venue operator’s licence being in

conflict with any Ministerial Direction, current at the date of these reasons for

decision, given pursuant to section 3.2.3 of the Act.

Municipal Cap

24. The City of Latrobe is subject to a regional cap of 522 EGMs. Currently, there are 522

licensed EGMs operating in the City of Latrobe and 522 Gaming Machine

Entitlements have been allocated in the City of Latrobe.

25. In August 2012, the allocation of Gaming Machine Entitlements will change as per the

results of the 2010 Gaming Entitlement Auction (the Auction). At the Auction, the

Applicant purchased an additional 4 Gaming Machine Entitlements which had been

forgone by other venues.

26. As the Gaming Machine Entitlements are, in effect, transferred from other venues, the

granting of this application will not lead to an increase in the number of EGMs in the

City of Latrobe. Therefore, the municipal limit on EGMs is not breached by the

granting of this application.

20

Net Economic and Social Impact

27. In assessing whether granting of this application would result in a net economic and

social detriment to the local community, the Commission took into account the

following factors:

Morwell RSL

27.1. The Morwell Sub-Branch has 2842 members and provides support to

veterans of war, widows and their dependants.

27.2. The Morwell RSL is a multi-purpose venue providing hospitality services

including a bistro, members lounge, billiard and snooker room, function

room, hall, boardroom and library and a gaming room which currently has 42

EGMs installed. Previously, the Morwell RSL had as many as 51 EGMs

approved and installed in the venue.

27.3. The Morwell RSL runs numerous activities, functions and initiatives for the

benefit of its members and the Morwell community. The Morwell RSL has a

significant positive effect on the Morwell community.

27.4. The Morwell RSL is a committed to being a responsible gaming provider and

adopts and enforces the RSL Sub-Branch Incorporated Responsible

Gambling Code of Conduct. The Morwell RSL also adopts and enforces the

Australian Hotels Association (Victoria) Self-Exclusion Program.

27.5. The revenue gained from the additional EGMs will allow the Morwell RSL

to provide more of its revenue to providing welfare assistance to its members

and the Morwell community.

27.6. The Morwell RSL is a debt free entity, and as such, the revenue gained from

the additional EGMs will be directly used by the Morwell RSL to provide

services and welfare assistance to its members and the Morwell community.

The City of Latrobe

27.7. The approved premises are situated in town of Morwell which lies within the

Local Government Area of the City of Latrobe (Latrobe), located

approximately 120 kilometres east of Melbourne.

21

27.8. Latrobe has an adult population of 56,055 which is the fourth highest adult

population of the 13 regional municipalities in Victoria and has a projected

population growth rate of 0.4% over the next four years.

27.9. The Equivalised Household Income of the area immediately surrounding the

approved premises is approximately 12% lower than the average for regional

Collection Districts within Victoria.

27.10. Morwell has a higher proportion of housing stress compared to the average in

Regional Victoria.

27.11. Morwell ranked as 38 of 41 most relatively disadvantaged Statistical Local

Area within Latrobe indicating a high proportion of people with relative

socio-economic disadvantage in the area immediate to the approved

premises.

27.12. The unemployment rate for the Statistical Local of Area of Morwell is

approximately 3% higher than the unemployment rate for Regional Victoria.

Gaming Specific Key Indicators

27.13. Latrobe currently has 9.31 EGMs per thousand adults and is ranked 3 out of

the 13 Regional Municipalities in Victoria in terms of EGMs per thousand

adults.

27.14. Latrobe currently has an adult population per gaming venue of 4312 which is

approximately 25% less than the average in Regional Victoria and 49% less

than the State average.

27.15. Latrobe has the highest gaming expenditure per adult of the 13 Regional

Municipalities in Victoria with an average expenditure of $846 per adult per

year. It is estimated that approval of the application would result in a 0.35%

increase in expenditure per adult.

27.16. Gaming expenditure in Latrobe has decreased by 8.52% in real terms

(indexed to CPI) over the past five years. Gaming expenditure in Regional

Victoria has decreased by 7.95% in real terms over the past five years.

27.17. Notwithstanding Latrobe’s relative high level of socio-economic

disadvantage and high proportion of EGMs for its population, gaming

expenditure has decreased more than the Regional Victoria’s average.

22

23

Gaming Expenditure

27.18. The applicant submits that, should the application be granted, the total

increased gaming expenditure for the additional 4 EGMs at the Morwell RSL

at the conclusion of the first twelve months of trade would be $280,598.

27.19. The applicant estimates that, due to the number of gaming venues within the

Morwell area and the current gaming capacity of the approved premises,

approximately 50% of the increased gaming expenditure will be transferred

from other venues within Latrobe.

28. It is noted that the additional EGMs are estimated to increase the total gaming

expenditure in Latrobe by 0.35% however, that increase is nominal and is outweighed

by the benefit to community that granting the application will bring.

29. The Commission has assessed that the granting of this application will not result in a

net economic and social detriment to the community of Latrobe.

Decision

30. The Commission grants the Applicant’s application to amend its venue operator’s

licence to vary the number of EGMs at the Morwell RSL from 42 to 46 subject to the

following conditions:

30.1. The venue operator’s licence must not conflict with a Ministerial direction

given pursuant to section 3.2.3 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (the

Act); and

30.2. The regional cap on EGMs within the City of Latrobe is not exceeded by the

granting of the application.

31. The amendment to the Applicant’s licence takes effect from the day these Reasons for

Decision are published.

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