Pokies venues have been a sore point with some supporters, particularly members of the Hawks for Change group, which forced the club to drop the games as part of its push against the leadership of outgoing President Jeff Kennettwho claimed the club would only give up its puck courts if it could generate alternative income.
The windfall gives the Hawks investment opportunities that will replace the club’s existing separate investment fund. Their balance sheet is one of the best in the competition, and while their fan base is not as large as Collingwood, Essendon, Richmond or Carlton, their financial position has been steadily improving since they fought off a proposed merger with Melbourne in 1996.
The Hawks owned the business at WestWaters, not the ownership, which was sold to the same group, Oscar Hospitality, in a concurrent deal.
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