By Cameron Lucadou-Wells
DON, a former manager of ALH Group venues such as Keysborough Hotel, says the advent of “antisocial” pokies drove him out of a career in hospitality.
He said he used to clear $300,000 from the machines at Keysborough Hotel on a Friday night.
“The money loses its value when you see it in that volume – it’s just different colours of plastic.”
Don, who does not want his surname used, says he couldn’t stand the rudeness of pokies punters, who would sit in front of the machines for hours and not talk to each other.
Not to mention the damage borne by problem gamblers.
“I think [pokies are] a misery maker. I’ve seen small businesses fold, the wife who says she’s just spending petty cash every day.”
Don thinks Greater Dandenong is a particular target for pokies venues because of the residents’ “working-class mentality”.
“People view money differently here. They think all they need is a bit of luck to make money.
“They think they can change their life with a push of a button.”
He says pokies have replaced live music at venues, such as the Village Green, and Sandown Park, Prince Mark and Waltzing Matilda hotels.
“What else do we have for entertainment now? It killed the music industry.
“I used to enjoy the pub environment but it’s not like Cheers any more. People don’t want to talk to the staff any more.
“I’d get more courtesy from a drunk than a coffee-drinking gambler on the pokies.”
