The implementation of poker machine reform is inevitable, as politicians across the country have agreed on the terms. However, Australian club owners are worried about the potential costs required to fund the new program. To solve this issue, local politicians are considering imposing a new tax, which will also be to the chagrin of poker machine club owners.
According to politicians, the new tax will be called a ‘supervision levy’ and all clubs participating in poker machine reform will be required to pay it. The funds will pay for the process of equipping all machines in Australia with voluntary pre-commitment technology, which will allow players to limit how much money they plan on spending before they spin the reels.
Club owners, who were reluctant to shell out the cash for the reform, are not pleased. Clubs Australia, which represents gaming venues across the country, has expressed that it is unfair that clubs are being subjected to the new levy, in addition to the potential of losing gaming profits.
Anthony Ball, executive director of the organization, has also stated that there are some kinks that need to be worked out before the levy is set, for example, caps and expiry dates. "Clubs are being asked to support legislation without knowing what the full cost of that support would be or how it could increase in the future,'' says Mr. Ball.
Local politicians have stated that the rate for the new levy will not be set until the legislation is passed, which will not happen until next year. It is likely that this will also be the point in time at which caps and expiry dates will also be set for the new levy. In the meantime, club owners will continue to resist the implementation of poker machine reform.
They are forced to compromise their bottom line; however, they are doing the country a service by doing their part to help reduce problem gambling rates.
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