The *Canberra Times* publishes a report stating that the quantity of gaming terminals in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is gradually diminishing, but the ACT administration stresses that a prudent strategy is necessary to achieve its objective.
A power-sharing accord between Labor and the Greens outlines the government’s plan to decrease the overall number of slot machines in clubs throughout the territory to 3,500 by 2024. Presently, there are 3,611 electronic gaming devices operational in Canberra, although the authorized number for operation is 3,863.
COVID-19 closures resulted in substantial income losses for clubs, necessitating a modification of the government’s approach to reducing the number of poker machines.
Minister for Gaming Shane Rattenbury indicated that a meticulous policy approach would be essential in the coming years to attain the 3,500-machine target. The government is also exploring possibilities for some clubs to become completely free of poker machines.
“Undoubtedly, COVID has dealt an economic blow to clubs, as they belong to the hospitality industry, one of the sectors most severely affected by COVID,” Rattenbury stated.
“Therefore, clubs have done a commendable job navigating through COVID, but it has had repercussions, and I believe that’s a factor the government must consider as we contemplate these transition strategies.”
This development coincides with the ACT government’s industry diversification fund preparing for a fresh round of grants.
This financial resource, initiated in 2019, receives backing from social organizations to lessen their dependence on gaming device earnings. Every organization donates $20 AUD (approximately $14 USD) monthly for the initial 99 devices under their ownership. These funds are then allocated to projects that assist these organizations in broadening their revenue sources.
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