Internal fight over poker machine revenue threatens future of RSL Victoria, president warns

To address this, RSL Victoria has proposed a new funding model, which would increase revenue from sub-branches with gambling licences from $5.3m a year to $6.1m. Part of that money would go towards establishing a small cash reserve.

Sub-branches would need to pay a fixed daily rate of up to $455 depending on how many poker machines they have, their overall revenue and membership numbers.

The change was due to start on 1 January but a letter from the RSL Victoria president, Rob Webster, reveals 10 of 51 sub-branches with gambling licences were strongly opposed.

In late November, Webster accused the holdouts of disrespecting the sub-branches that had agreed to the new model, and urged them to urgently reconsider.

Webster also accused the sub-branches of trying to hold on to gambling money, arguing the end of a contract with Tabcorp in August 2022 had reduced the cost of operating gaming machines.

The 10 sub-branches have a number of concerns about the new funding model. Some are worried they cannot afford the increased rate and that it is unfair. Others are concerned about how the money is being spent.

The Ararat sub-branch told RSL Victoria it would prefer to allocate its share directly to supporting veterans.

RSLs in Victoria made more than $163m from gambling in the last financial year, but provided just $8.4m in donations, gifts and sponsorship, according to their own statements to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.

RSL Victoria has been contacted for comment.