NRL - For now still dependant on Poker Machines

Hollywood actor and Co-owner of the South Sydney Rugby team, Russell Crowe continues to express his annoyance on the National Rugby Leagues’ dependence poker machines to generate revenue. Crowe has been campaigning for the NRL to relinquish poker machines in favor of a more positive revenue stream.

In an effort to address David Gallop, Chief Executive of the National Rugby League (NRL) in Sydney, Australia recently responded through the local newspaper, News Limited. Gallop explained that at this time NRL depends on the poker machines to remain profitable. He said they are aware of the controversy that surrounds that dependence, and have plans to change that reliance in the future.

Gallop’s solution to their dependency on poker machine revenues is to have the NRL clubs boost season memberships, rely on gate revenues and promote corporate hospitality and sponsorships.

Gallop has acknowledged Crowe’s point of view and will address the issue when it is financially feasible, but for now, they will continue to use poker machines at the NRL clubs until the new strategy can be implemented.