Building a Sustainable Club Without Poker Machines

Traditionally, across NSW clubland, there’s been a widely held belief that clubs need poker machines to survive financially. It’s easy to see why. According to the latest ClubsNSW industry snapshot, gaming accounted for 45.3% of club income in 2025, making it the single largest source of revenue for the industry.

However, the picture is changing. A recent ClubsNSW report found that non-gaming activities now account for 55% of club revenue, with more clubs generating income through food and beverage, accommodation and other commercial operations. This shows that there are alternative ways for clubs to build financial sustainability without relying solely on gaming.

The report also highlighted the significant costs involved in running a club, with salaries and wages representing 43% of expenses and administrative costs adding further pressure. For clubs that rely heavily on poker machine revenue, these costs are compounded by the growing demands of gaming regulation, governance, compliance and reporting. NSW Government reforms designed to strengthen gaming oversight (especially anti-money laundering) and reduce gambling harm have increased the responsibilities placed on club management.

The result is a clear challenge for the industry: clubs need to diversify their income, manage operating costs and find sustainable ways to serve their communities. Many are increasingly turning to hospitality, accommodation, sporting facilities and other commercial activities to reduce their dependence on gaming revenue.

Why a Different Model Makes Sense for JBCSC

For a new start-up club, such as Jervis Bay Community & Sports Club, the burden of managing huge overheads created by poker machine regulation and compliance is simply not worth the investment, regulatory or cash-flow risk. Large payouts early in JBCSC’s existence could be catastrophic.

JBCSC has an opportunity to take a different approach — one of community wellbeing that puts people, sport, local opportunities and the natural environment first. Rather than relying on poker machine revenue, the club can focus on building a sustainable business model around the things that genuinely benefit our community.

Our vision is to:

• Empower young people through sport, skills development and vocational training.

• Create inclusive and accessible spaces where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy sport and recreation.

• Support local jobs and economic growth by investing in opportunities for the Shoalhaven community.

• Improve community health and wellbeing by encouraging physical activity, connection and social participation.

• Protect our natural environment by safeguarding the green spaces that provide a home for Shoalhaven’s native flora and fauna for generations to come.

These goals aren’t separate from financial sustainability — they’re central to it. By developing strong sporting programs, quality facilities, hospitality offerings and meaningful community partnerships, JBCSC can work towards a model that generates revenue while delivering lasting social and environmental benefits.

Proof That Clubs Can Thrive Without Poker Machines

JBCSC wouldn’t be breaking new ground by pursuing a club model that doesn’t depend on poker machines. Across NSW and the ACT, a number of clubs demonstrate the potential of building a sustainable operation around their members, sporting facilities, location, hospitality and community purpose.

Examples include Concord Golf Club, Pennant Hills Golf Club, Petersham Bowling Club, Diamond Bay Bowling Club, Marrickville Golf, Sporting & Community Club, Forbes Golf Club, Wentworth Falls Country Club and Yowani Country Club. These clubs provide useful examples of how sport, recreation, hospitality and community engagement can form the foundation of a club’s identity and business model, without poker machines or any gambling facilities such as TAB or Keno.

For JBCSC, the opportunity is to build on these principles and create something that reflects the needs and values of the Jervis Bay community — a club that is financially responsible, socially inclusive and environmentally conscious.

JBCSC Christmas Party – Save the Date!

Get your family, friends and festive gear ready.

You're invited to JBCSC’s annual Christmas party hosted at Jervis Bay Brewing Co.

When: Wednesday 25 November 2026, 5.00 – 8.00pm

Where: Jervis Bay Brewing’s Taproom, 3 Duranbah Drive, Huskisson NSW

More details to follow.