The Victorian state government said Tuesday it will waive any debts owed by local clubs in relation to poker machine entitlements they are unable to put into use.
Under the terms of the scheme, clubs and RSLs (Returned and Services League of Australia) who have gaming machine entitlements they are no longer able to use will be able to surrender them and have their debts forgiven as part of the government’s renewed focus on harm minimization.
Victorian venue operators can only run gaming machines if they hold entitlements and have the required approvals in place, however many clubs and RSLs have found themselves unable to run the gaming machines they have entitlements for, the government said.
The EGM surrender scheme will allow clubs and RSLs to hand back the entitlements to government without being locked into paying them off — freeing up funds to be reinvested back into the community.
The scheme will only apply to clubs and RSLs whose entitlements are not approved for use, including where they have been rejected by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) or local council. Other venue operators can transfer or sell their unused entitlements or can seek a variation to their payment terms if facing serious financial hardship.
The scheme will begin in July with select clubs and RSLs to be advised of their eligibility.
“This is good news for clubs and RSLs who have entitlements they can’t use – it means they can put more money back into the communities they support,” said Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne
“We’re working with the VGCCC and local councils across Victoria to monitor the gambling sector when it comes to the operation of entitlements.”
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