Poker machine rebels get Tabcorp backing

AXED poker machine giant Tabcorp has moved to win back control of the state's multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.

The Herald Sun can reveal the super-rich gambling operator is funding a new representative body for suburban pokies clubs.

Rival operator Tatts has also held talks with the new group.

A senior industry source said the rebel entity would allow Tabcorp and Tatts to maintain a significant controlling interest in the state's pokies clubs after the expiry of their licences in 2012.

"They're coming in through the back door," the source said.

The Community Clubs Association of Victoria was quietly registered last week and will be headed by former Olympian and Fitzroy Football Club president Leon Wiegard, who has quit as head of the existing representative group, Clubs Victoria.

Numerous major pokies clubs and at least two other senior Clubs Victoria executives are backing Mr Wiegard.

It is understood the Wiegard group is seeking the support of the state's 80 RSL pokies clubs and venues owned by AFL clubs.

Tabcorp and Tatts were given their marching orders by Premier John Brumby in April when he announced that the lucrative pokies duopoly would be dismantled after 2012.

Victoria's 27,500 suburban pokies are split evenly between pubs and clubs with another 2500 machines at Crown casino.

Mr Wiegard is a long-time supporter of Tabcorp and has fallen out with powerful Clubs Victoria CEO Mag Kearney, who opposed the duopoly model.

Tabcorp spokesman Bruce Tobin yesterday confirmed the company had agreed to pour money into Mr Wiegard's breakaway group.

"We don't support Clubs Victoria. We support the Community Clubs Association of Victoria and will work proactively with them in a strong partnership," Mr Tobin said.

But he said the association would be fully independent with its own representatives.

Asked what involvement Tabcorp would have with the group beyond the expiry of its Victorian pokies licence in 2012, Mr Tobin replied: "No idea. But obviously we'll be working with them for the next four years. The future is unknown."

An angry Ms Kearney told the Herald Sun the Wiegard group had been formed in secret behind her back.

"I only just found out about it. We will be investigating whether this is a breach of the law," Ms Kearney said.

Tatts spokesman Michael Mangos said talks had been held with Mr Wiegard but a decision on whether to back him had not yet been made.

"No consideration has been given to any funding support of this group," Mr Mangos said.

Mr Wiegard represented Australia at water polo in the 1964 and 1972 Olympics and is a life member of the AFL.

He is travelling overseas and could not be contacted.

Herald Sun

News Added: 11 June, 2008

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