WHITTLESEA Bowls Club may take its fight for 10 extra gaming machines to the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal if the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation knocks it back.
Club manager Bernie Walker said while he understood the fierce community opposition to increasing the number of machines from 40 to 50, it was necessary.
“The area has grown and the club house is very full,” he said.
“We’re a community organisation and any profits we generate have to go back to the community.”
Mr Walker said the council’s blocking of the extra machines was a financial setback, forcing the club to spend on its appeal.
While he acknowledged concerns about problem gambling, he said he risked losing patrons to southern venues if he did not expand.
The club will consult its board and legal advisers about going to VCAT if the bid fails.
