Ballina - The Ballina RSL Club

Due to a freakish addiction to gambling, Australia has 25% of the world's poker machines. These machines suck money out of the punters' pockets like there's no tomorrow. Where does this money end up? Most of it goes to local community clubs, just like the Ballina RSL Club.

The RSL clubs were set up after World War 1 to provide support for soldiers returning from the war. Clubs were built for the diggers to hang out and relive their memories. With the introduction of poker machines "pokies", however, they suddenly found themselves flush with cash and not knowing what to do with it. As a result, they built grand buildings to provide services to the local community.

It's a freak Australian phenomenon that in most small country towns, the biggest building in town is usually the RSL club. It usually has a large auditorium where community events are held. Indeed, most towns don't have a large town hall - it's supplied by the RSL club.

The other thing RSL clubs are known for, is cheap alcohol. You can get alcohol at ridiculously low prices - the prices are kept down by the gambling. It's a win win for everyone! Apart from gamblers though - they're screwed.

RSL clubs are also known for their amazingly cheap food. You can get a Sunday roast for $5 or some other stupidkly low price. Again, subsidised by the gambling. Once you get in the door, they don't want you to leave until you gamble!

The Ballina RSL is large, modern building sitting in a prime location, right on the river. It's been a social hub for the community for decades and is still immensely popular with all age groups.

The RSL is not the only "club" in Ballina though. Following a similar template, we have the Bowling Club, the Rugby League Club and don't forget the Golf Club. All have poker machines and all are amazingly cheap!

No trip to Ballina is complete with a trip to the RSL club. It may be caused by a freak set of commerical conditions, but the alcohol and food is cheap. Come and stay a while, but don't forget to gamble. A lot.