Australia proposes exclusion of gambling from research and development tax incentives
Draft legislation that would bar gambling, tobacco and nicotine-related research from the national tax Incentive, leaving support only for harm-reduction projects.
Australia.- The federal government has put forward draft legislation that would exclude gambling-related research and development from eligibility under Australia’s R&D Tax Incentive. The proposal, now open for consultation, also covers tobacco and nicotine products. Research for harm-reduction projects would still be covered.
The move would remove eligibility for online and land-based gambling technologies, wagering platforms and gaming machines. The government argues that taxpayer-funded incentives should not support innovation that may heighten addiction risks or undermine national health goals, which it says is inconsistent with public-health objectives and could dilute efforts to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling.
Data from the Australian Tax Office showed that gambling companies claimed close to AU$90m (US$59m) in R&D tax credits in the 2021/22 financial year, a figure the government described as misaligned with the scheme’s purpose.
However, the gambling sector argues that removing access to R&D incentives could slow innovation in areas such as compliance and fraud prevention. Some companies warn that the measure may push research activity offshore or leave the industry at a disadvantage compared to other tech-driven sectors.
Industry groups, health organisations and research institutions can submit feedback until January 30. The consultation period aims to clarify technical definitions and distinguish harm-reduction initiativebefore the bill moves to parliament.
