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Just thought I'd mention that I'm not a big fan of the NRL entering the political arena and calling the government "anti-NRL."
Pokies make up around 7% of the revenue for many successful clubs. This might be reduced by the new scheme (might... because the ID card system will simply set voluntary limits rather than banning pokies. A problem gambler could set a limit of $999999999999999999 and nothing would change under the new rules.)
But quite seriously... is the NRL smart in telling it's fans that the ALP is anti-NRL, and by doing so, making their opinion clear that pokies are synonymous with the NRL.
Not saying I'm against pokies, but roughly 50% of Aussies support parties that are not big fans of pokies. IMO rather than alienating fans by taking a clear political stance, the NRL would be better off:
1) Getting this BLOODY independent commission going before taking such stances.
2) Focussing on getting more bums on seats, and active participation in sports to fund the NRL. The millions they have spent on their political campaign could have been spent on making money in other ways (and needed a vote because the current management is supposedly on the outer?)
3) Remain politically neutral and separate the NRL/pokies. I have nothing against pokies but saying that pokies and the NRL are synonymous is a BIIIIG step IMO, one that could have a really negative impact on other areas such as sponsorship and membership. Will clubs now struggle to have family-friendly companies signing sponsorship deals, lefties joining clubs and other entities who don't want their dollars going towards pokies in addition to anti-Labor/Green/Independent propaganda?
BIG move IMO, and a really dumb one too. The NRL should stay away from politics and focus on other ways of making money IMO. Sure pokies provide money, but they're not a growing revenue stream for the long-term. What we need is:
- More fans (as a result of better footy/refs/entertainment.)
- More TV coverage, and dollars coming in from channels (only Friday night on free-to-air is NOT good enough.)
- More NRL events that people can attend.
- A broader range of sponsors/sponsorship options. All Telstra has provided ia a crippled, outdated website... if they got say Apple or Google on board they could have a LOT more money and a much cooler product IMO. Just 2 examples BTW... not saying they are the best options.
A lot of biiiig companies will have no interest in the NRL now that they've come out and said there is no difference between the NRL/pokies, and the NRL votes LIBERAL. DUMB DUMB DUMB... and all this before their independent commission can have a say on the future of the NRL?
Pokies make up around 7% of the revenue for many successful clubs. This might be reduced by the new scheme (might... because the ID card system will simply set voluntary limits rather than banning pokies. A problem gambler could set a limit of $999999999999999999 and nothing would change under the new rules.)
But quite seriously... is the NRL smart in telling it's fans that the ALP is anti-NRL, and by doing so, making their opinion clear that pokies are synonymous with the NRL.
Not saying I'm against pokies, but roughly 50% of Aussies support parties that are not big fans of pokies. IMO rather than alienating fans by taking a clear political stance, the NRL would be better off:
1) Getting this BLOODY independent commission going before taking such stances.
2) Focussing on getting more bums on seats, and active participation in sports to fund the NRL. The millions they have spent on their political campaign could have been spent on making money in other ways (and needed a vote because the current management is supposedly on the outer?)
3) Remain politically neutral and separate the NRL/pokies. I have nothing against pokies but saying that pokies and the NRL are synonymous is a BIIIIG step IMO, one that could have a really negative impact on other areas such as sponsorship and membership. Will clubs now struggle to have family-friendly companies signing sponsorship deals, lefties joining clubs and other entities who don't want their dollars going towards pokies in addition to anti-Labor/Green/Independent propaganda?
BIG move IMO, and a really dumb one too. The NRL should stay away from politics and focus on other ways of making money IMO. Sure pokies provide money, but they're not a growing revenue stream for the long-term. What we need is:
- More fans (as a result of better footy/refs/entertainment.)
- More TV coverage, and dollars coming in from channels (only Friday night on free-to-air is NOT good enough.)
- More NRL events that people can attend.
- A broader range of sponsors/sponsorship options. All Telstra has provided ia a crippled, outdated website... if they got say Apple or Google on board they could have a LOT more money and a much cooler product IMO. Just 2 examples BTW... not saying they are the best options.
A lot of biiiig companies will have no interest in the NRL now that they've come out and said there is no difference between the NRL/pokies, and the NRL votes LIBERAL. DUMB DUMB DUMB... and all this before their independent commission can have a say on the future of the NRL?