Across Australia, responsible gambling advocates have been making a push for stricter limits on poker machines and betting limits. However, Northern Territory has taken an opposite approach by removing the current cap on poker machines within the state. Starting tomorrow (January 1), there will no longer be a cap on poker machines in Northern Territory.
Previously, only 1190 poker machines were permitted in the state – but now there will be no set limit of the number of games that are permitted. Clubs and pubs across the country were also prohibited from adding new games; however, under the new rules they will be permitted to in order to ‘level the playing field’.
From July 1, new rules will come into play, allowing pubs to boost the number of games they own from 10 to 20. Clubs will be able to bring their number of pokies up to 45 to 55. All venues that wish to add new games will be required to pay a one-time fee of $10 000 for every new game that is approved. Hotels will be required to pay $50 000. The removal of the poker machine cap in NT has been a controversial move.
Responsible gambling advocates are concerned that allowing new games in the state will cause a rise in problem gambling rates. However, Gaming Minister Peter Styles has defended the move, stating that it will benefit the state overall by providing a level playing field for venue owners and boosting the economy.
"What they haven't taken into account is that we've had substantial increase in our population, there are numerous new entertainment facilities across the Territory, and these people want a level playing field,” he says. Additionally, the NT government will increase the Community Benefit Fund.
This will ensure that more money is given to problem gambling support services for compulsive players in the state.
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