Victorian clubs and RSLs, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, who have gaming machine entitlements they can no longer use will be able to surrender them and have their debts forgiven.
Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Melissa Horne announced the new state government scheme on May 16, which will begin in July, 2023.
The surrender scheme will allow clubs and RSLs to give back previously purchased electronic gaming machine entitlements they cannot use, with the remaining debts to be wiped.
Ms Horne said this scheme will help to free up important funds that can be reinvested back into the community.
“This is good news for clubs and RSLs who have entitlements they can’t use,” she said. “It means they can put more money back into the communities they support.”
“We’re working with the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) and local councils across Victoria to monitor the gambling sector when it comes to the operation of entitlements.”
The state government has made the announcement amid increasing focus on harm minimisation by local councils and the VGCCC.
This follows a number of clubs and RSLs having found themselves unable to run the gaming machines they have entitlements for.
The scheme will only apply to these clubs and RSLs whose entitlements are not approved for use, including where they have been rejected by the VGCCC or local council.
Other venue operators will be able to transfer or sell unused entitlements, or can seek a variation to their payment terms if facing serious financial hardship.
Details: justice.vic.gov.au.
