Across Australia, many states have imposed caps on poker machines in order to reduce gambling spending. However, Northern Territory is taking a different approach. Starting January 1, 2015, the state will lift the cap on the number of poker machines in NT. The new gaming rules have been updated to reflect growth in the state.
The initial cap of 1190 poker machines was introduced in 2008, but NT’s population has grown significantly since then. Over the years, the state has seen tens of thousands of new residents, and there is a need for more pokies to meet the population’s demand. In addition to seeing plenty of new residents, the state has also become home to many new entertainment venues.
The owners of many of these venues wish to add poker machines for patrons to enjoy, but the current tap prevents this from happening. "Since 2009 the Territory's population has grown by 20,000 and there have been many new licensed venues opened that may wish to pursue the option of offering gaming machines in their venues," says Peter Styles, Business Minister of Northern Territory.
“With the cap in place, they have been prevented from doing so and we are restoring an even playing field so that new entrants aren't competing at a disadvantage.” Venues will be charged $10 000 for every additional poker machine that is added on top of the current cap. There is also a $50 000 application charge. So, clubs and pubs will have to be absolutely positive that they want to add new pokies.
In July 2015, another cap will be lifted. Individual clubs will be able to have 55 games per venue, which is a marked increase from the current limit.
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