Clubs, pubs and casinos have obtained a huge victory this week, after Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has ruled that these venues are not to be taxed at higher rates than other types of property. The decision has been with a mixed response, and it will be heavily debated for weeks to come. The ruling does away with differential rates.

Previously, gambling venues and fast food outlets were among a number of properties that were required to pay more taxes than others. This week, Napthine has ensured that these properties will be taxed at the same rate as all other venues across Victoria.

"We are drawing a line in the sand about what is and is not appropriate so we do not see differential rates radically extended to include fast food premises, tattoo parlours and bingo halls, or whatever the next soft-target business might be,” says Jeanette Powell , State Local Government Minister. Differential rates from gambling venues helped to raise an additional $1.3 million in nine counties across Victoria.

So, while gaming operators are pleased that they can keep this money in their pockets, local community groups are not entirely thrilled. A portion of this tax is used to fund community projects via grants and government coffers, so it is likely that some groups will lose out on valuable funding. On the other hand, anti-gambling groups see the elimination of differential rates as a positive thing.

According to responsible gambling advocate Paul Bendat, differential rate income was rarely used to fund problem gambling programs. “Just levying a rate on it doesn't reduce the harm of poker machines," he says. Since the funds were not being used to fight problem gambling, Bendat believes that there was no use for them. However, there is still a need for gaming operators to spend money on responsible gambling programs.

Now that they are not forced to pay differential rates, it is hoped that the extra money will be used for this cause.

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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.