The publication, *The Canberra Times*, has reported that authorities in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are advocating for a careful strategy regarding the decrease of gaming devices, despite a continuing downward trend in their numbers.
Although the ACT administration intends to diminish the quantity of poker machines within local establishments to 3,500 by 2024 – an objective established through a collaborative agreement between the Labor and Greens parties – they recognize the importance of a deliberate approach. This comes as the count of active machines stands at 3,611, compared to an authorized limit of 3,863.
The COVID-19 health crisis considerably affected club earnings, compelling a reevaluation of the government’s original reduction scheme. Minister for Gaming, Shane Rattenbury, acknowledged the pandemic’s financial impact on clubs, especially those functioning within the hospitality industry, necessitating a more cautious method.
Moving forward, Rattenbury stresses the requirement for well-considered policy actions to attain the 3,500 machine goal. The government is investigating various possibilities, including the potential for a complete prohibition of machines in specific clubs. This development coincides with the ACT government’s preparations for the subsequent allocation of funds from its industry diversification program.
This financial pool, established in 2019, receives its capital from organizations – consider it a subscription charge. These groups contribute a nominal sum monthly for their gaming devices (20 Australian dollars, roughly equivalent to 14 US dollars, per unit). Subsequently, the organizations can allocate these funds towards endeavors that aid in reducing their dependence on gaming device revenue – akin to diversifying and discovering alternative income streams.