The leader of an Essendon supporter group has explained why he wants the club to sell its stake in pokie machines.

The Bombers own licences for slot machines in both Essendon and Melton, with president of the ‘No Pokies at Essendon’ group Mike Read telling Tom Elliott it was time for the club to look at alternative revenue streams.

Click PLAY to hear Tom Elliott’s full chat with Mike Read on 3AW

“The goal of our organsation is (to divest) the poker machines,” he said on 3AW Mornings.

“We’re not saying shut them down now – we understand footy clubs is a business. But by the same token, the damage that pokies do cause is strong enough for the club to look at an alternative way to fund themselves.”