NSW expects over US$2bn from gaming tax

The number represents an increase of US$36.5 million since the half-year review for the sector.

Australia.- The 2020/21 budget for the state of New South Wales (NSW) foresees AU$2.8bn (US$2.04bn) in tax revenue from gambling.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, presenting the budget to parliament on Tuesday, said the country expects a deficit of AU$16bn (US$11.6bn) for the next year as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be the first state budget in the red in the last decade.

The AU$2.8bn in revenue from gaming taxes represents an increase of almost AU$50m (US$36.5m) or 1.8 per cent since the half-yearly review.

The budget allocates AU$500m so that every NSW resident of legal age will receive AU$100 (US$73) in vouchers to spend in the community. The measure aims to boost the local entertainment and tourism industry, but the funds cannot be spent on gambling, alcohol or tobacco.

The NSW government is also currently considering a legislative amendment, the Gaming Machines Amendment Bill 2020, regarding the responsibilities of casinos and pubs for gambling harm.