Australian Capital Territory surrender programme reduces gaming machines by 296

The number of machines has fallen to fewer than 3,500.

Australia.- The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has reported that the number of authorised electronic gaming machines in the territory has decreased by 296 to 3,494 as a result of the voluntary surrender scheme run from March 2024 to April 30 of this year. The latest scheme means the number of machines has fallen by almost 30 per cent since 2018.

The surrender program offered venues AU$15,000 for each machine authorisation surrendered, or AU$20,000 per machine if they gave up all authorisations. Some 28 venues participated. The Vikings Group and Canberra Southern Cross Club Group each surrendered 40 machines, while the Canberra Raiders Sports Club Group surrendered 38. Two venues, The Statesman Hotel in Curtin and The Canberra Bowling Club in Forrest, surrendered all of their gaming machine licences.

Minister for gaming reform, Marisa Paterson, said: “The government has met its commitment to reduce poker machine authorisations in the ACT to 3,500 by 1 July 2025, and we remain dedicated to further reducing that number to 1,000 by 2045.

“I commend the licensees who have embraced the opportunity to participate in the voluntary surrender scheme. This is a crucial step in diversifying their revenue streams away from a reliance on revenue from electronic gaming machines. It’s especially pleasing to see some venues taking the opportunity to go pokie-free, providing great examples to the community and club sector that there is a strong future for clubs without machines.”

She added: “The ACT Government remains committed to reducing gambling-related harm, and we will continue working with local clubs to build a sustainable industry – one that fosters community connections without depending on gambling revenue.”

In April, the ACT Government approved the establishment of an independent inquiry to examine how clubs can diversify their revenue streams and reduce reliance on gambling revenue. The independent inquiry is due to start in the middle of this year. The government expects a report to be submitted in early 2026.

See also: Almost one in three under-18s in Australia gamble, study finds