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.
The clubs are registered charities and have social mission statements, such as to assist veterans, people at risk of homelessness or the financially disadvantaged. Of the almost 300 RSLs in Victoria, more than 50 are licensed for poker machines.