Reducing the number of electronic gaming machines

On 21 March 2024, the ACT Government announced an extension of its voluntary surrender program for gaming machines to support the reduction of gaming machines in Canberra clubs.

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.

Further information, including the form to apply, is available in the Application for Incentives document and in the Reducing Gaming Machine Authorisations to 3,500 by 1 July 2025 Question and Answer guide. This information has also been provided direct to all licensees and peak bodies.