A review of Returned and Services League venues operating electronic gambling machines in Victoria, Australia and the level of funding contributed to veterans

Objective

Globally, funding ‘good causes’ is a legitimation tactic for gambling operations. This research aimed to determine if an Australian system allowing tax concessions to not-for-profits (NFPs) meets its primary intention of funding community purpose.

Methods

Not-for-profit (NFP) venues operating electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in the state of Victoria must submit records to the gambling regulator showing contribution to community purposes. The community benefit statements (CBS) of licensed Returned and Services League (RSL) venues were analysed, with an initial survey of the years 2010-19 and a more detailed analysis of the years 2017-19.

Results

Veteran support constituted less than 10% of the total community contributions claimed, or 1.5% of electronic gaming machine (EGM) user losses. On average, business expenses exceeded the claims for veteran support by 12:1. Contributions for addressing gambling-related harm represented less than 0.002% of recorded claims.

Conclusions & Implications for public health

This research demonstrates that the provision of charitable services derived from gambling revenue is very modest amongst Australia’s principal veteran’s organisation. Deficiencies in harm prevention and minimisation reinforce the need for changes to community benefit schemes. Regulatory reforms emphasising the vulnerability of veterans to gambling harm are required to ensure that this population is better protected.