Last month, ACT Gaming Minister Joy Burch introduced a new pokie machine trading and tax scheme. It was well-received by law-makers in the state, and it has been decided that the new rules will take effect starting July 1. The new tax rates will see most clubs taking an $18 000 tax cut. This will be funded by bigger clubs, as they will be required to pay more money in taxes.
8 clubs will pay more, 13 clubs will pay less and 29 clubs will not see any change in their tax rates. As part of the law, a new limit will also be introduced for poker machines. For every 1000 adults in Canberra, there can only be 15 pokies. By 2018, this will equal a total of 4785 games in the ACT – resulting in the current number of pokies to be reduced by 121.
Every two years, the pokie cap will be revised, reflecting the state’s current population. A new trading scheme will also be introduced. For the first time ever, clubs will be allowed to buy and sell pokies between themselves. Venue owners will also be permitted to purchase outdated games and convert them into modern pokies. However, this will not result in an increase in the overall number of games.
For every four pokies that a venue buys, they will have to forfeit one – which will reduce pokie numbers over time. Pubs and hotels will be prohibited from getting any new pokies. Many politicians support the new scheme, as it aims to reduce the number of poker machines in the state. They hope that this will result in lower problem gambling rates in the ACT. However, there are some parties that are not on board with the plan.
For example, the Liberals argue that the law adds red tape and complication to the way in which clubs operate their pokies.
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