The impending poker machine reform trial, scheduled for next year in Canberra, is giving rise to some substantial concerns for club operators. This week, gaming club owners and operators will speak with the ACT government, addressing the issues that are important to them. One of the biggest concerns is the issue of compensation.

The ACT government has promised to pay clubs $36 million in compensation for any money that is lost as a result of the trial. While the offer seems reasonable, club owners are not impressed. Jeff House, Chief Executive of Clubs ACT, wonders what will happen if clubs experience a greater loss as a result of the pokie reform trial. The issue is also important among clubs that are not as profitable as their peers.

For example, Southern Cross saw an $800 000 profit last year but has a $7 million debt. Other clubs wonder how this club and other clubs in similar situations will be compensated. Technical issue has risen, as well. One of the biggest problems that club owners anticipate is the installation of the technology and how it will also affect their businesses.

They also wonder how long it will take for manufacturers to develop the technology to be used in the trial. The meeting is scheduled for February 16th, at which point club operators will raise these issues and more.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.