The controversy surrounding the use of the Returned and Services League's (RSL) name within gambling venues is intensifying, sparking significant discussions on the association of veterans' charities with poker machines. Recently, the national leader of the RSL, Greg Melick, voiced his backing for movements aimed at stopping licensed clubs from incorporating the RSL name, as the organization faces disarray over the role of pokies within its venues.
Melick highlighted the deep-rooted concerns of the veterans’ charity, stressing the dissonance between the gambling operations of these clubs and the principles held by RSL. He stated, “We are concerned the name is being used by clubs turning over hundreds of millions of dollars in gambling revenue without money going to veterans’ welfare. It’s horrible, actually.” This comment draws attention to the significant financial operations of gambling venues and their disconnect from supporting veteran-related causes.
Melick’s support for the call from New South Wales RSL's president, Mick Bainbridge, underlines the notion of clarity over the identity of the RSL amid increasing confusion surrounding its name’s usage. Bainbridge argues for the necessity of permission before the RSL name is used by these gambling establishments, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the charity’s reputation.
The debate does not limit itself merely to name usage; it also extends to the broader issue of poker machines within RSL clubs. Internal divisions have emerged within the organization, as various factions debate whether to allow poker machines at all. Bainbridge has pointed to the detrimental effects of gambling on local communities, veterans, and families, reinforcing the imperative of examining the moral standing of such venues.
This controversy is occurring against the backdrop of alarming statistics. Clubs and hotels across New South Wales reported record profits of $4.1 billion from poker machines within the first half of 2024, as per data released by NSW Liquor and Gaming. Meanwhile, almost 87,875 gaming machines were operational—marking the highest figures seen since 2020. To contextualize, Victorian clubs operated just over 26,000 machines, thanks to strict regional gambling regulations.
The RSL’s division on gambling venues is particularly visible within the Victorian branch, where pushback has been notable among younger veterans advocating against the presence of pokies. Dr. Robert Webster, the Victorian president, remained non-committal on the discussions, stating, “We don’t have separate RSL clubs in Victoria; they are sub-branches.” Meanwhile, Drew Maddison, the president of the Hawthorn RSL sub-branch, has firmly positioned his stance, insisting, “Poker machines are not welcome in the RSL anymore.”
Despite significant opposition, Maddison explained how the presence of poker machines affects RSL networks significantly. He pointed out, “It’s a very small percentage of pokie money, if any, going back to supporting veterans’ welfare.” This sentiment emphasizes the broader concern about the lack of revenue being funneled back to the community or veteran-related projects.
An additional concern raised by the NSW RSL is associated with the distribution dynamics of funds facilitated through the state’s ClubGrants scheme. The scheme mandates venues with profits exceeding $1 million to support local community services. Alarmingly, only $1.7 million—or about 1.4%—of the notable $121 million redistributed by clubs, including RSL venues, went toward veterans’ welfare, as depicted by the RSL’s analysis.
The debates over gambling extend beyond name usage, touching on concerns over the very existence and regulation of poker machines within these clubs. The NSW government, faced with mounting pressures, is currently trialing cashless gaming systems as part of potential reforms to the poker machine market. Interestingly, half of the venues initially participating have withdrawn from the cashless gaming trial, citing the implementation as complicated and costly. Only 14 venues remain engaged, actively decreasing the number of poker machines involved and seeing limited active participation from gamblers.
The predicament positions the RSL at the heart of significant moral challenges. The organization grapples with balancing the historical association with local clubs and adapting to the modern realities of gambling. The conversations surrounding the pokies' presence continue to evolve, with discussions ranging from the relevance of charity names to healthy discourse about responsible gambling. Melick's and Bainbridge's calls to action signal the growing urgency for organizations like RSL to align more closely with their values and missions as the line between community service and profit-making ventures blurs.
With the backdrop of these discussions, it becomes evident the RSL's identity is at stake, and member sentiments will likely continue to shape future policies and affiliations with gambling venues. The path forward will require not just internal consensus but also clear alignment with community expectations and values, especially concerning the welfare of veterans.
