The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has intensified its efforts to reach its 2024 target for 3500 pokie authorizations across all of the region’s clubs by seeking targeted policies. This number was agreed upon in line with the Labor-Greens governing and parliamentary agreement, which also addresses crucial matters such as housing and climate.
Looming Deadline
Shane Rattenbury, ACT’s gaming minister, explained that the territory intends to reduce its number of pokies to 3500, down from its current number of 3683.
Rattenbury added that officials have to account for the effect that numerous COVID-19 lockdowns have had on the industry while formulating appropriate policies to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling. The pandemic-precipitated restrictions and subsequent economic downturn have taken their toll on clubs’ revenue, another factor that the government will have to consider when drafting new transition policies. The minister also shared that he is open to any solutions geared at eradicating pokies from targeted territory clubs.
Diversification Funding Destined for Clubs
Rattenbury went on to state that with future funding allocated to the government’s 2019 –initiated Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund, clubs in Canberra would be empowered to explore alternate and more sustainable revenue streams that do not involve gambling. The fund is powered by a monthly $20 contribution for the first 99 poker machine licenses at each club in the area.
There are two available funding tiers that clubs can opt into. There is a $25,000 ‘nonstop’ option and a $250,000 option provided in grants. The second tier is available at least once a year for community clubs, with six clubs having already received almost $1 million in overall second-tier funding.
The funding will be used to install solar energy panels, add air-conditioning, construct childcare centres, and refurbish ageing amenities at the six clubs that were approved for the initiative in July 2021. The clubs in question are the Harmonie German Club, Spanish Australian Club, Canberra Highland, Burns Club, Belconnen Soccer Club, Belconnen Magpies Sports Club, and Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club.
Sustainable Future
The Belconnen Magpies Club in Kippax shut down its gaming site in 2017, following an almost 50-year history in operation. The premises have now been converted into a site capable of hosting a medical centre, with assistance from second-tier funding. Paul Netting, the club’s general manager, said excess money from the grant was put into installing air-conditioning and a lift for wheelchair access at the Ochre Medical Centre in Kippax.
For its part, The Spanish Australian Club intends to use its allocated funds to upgrade its kitchens to be able to cater for future events at the club, potentially increasing revenues and eliminating the need to host pokies.
