Canberra clubs encouraged to reduce number of gaming machines

Under the Gaming Machine Voluntary Authorisation Surrender Scheme, the government will pay clubs $15,000 for each gaming machine authorisation that is voluntarily surrendered. Clubs going ‘pokie-free’ will receive $20,000 for each gaming machine surrendered.

Initially available to ACT clubs and hotels until the end of 2022, the incentive has been reinstated.

Supporting community clubs to reduce the harm caused by gaming machines, the program contributes to the government’s goal to reduce the overall number of gaming machines in the Territory to 3,500 by 1 July 2025.

Legislation to enable a ‘back stop’ compulsory surrender program, the Gaming Machine (Compulsory Surrender) Amendment Bill 2024, was introduced on 21 March 2024. If adopted, the compulsory surrender program will only take effect if the voluntary program falls short of the 3,500 target by 31 May 2025.

To support early participation of the voluntary surrender program, venues can choose a delayed surrender option. They will receive half the payment for their machines upfront and the other half once the machines are surrendered.

Further information is available in the Safer Communities section of the Justice and Community Safety website.