Victorian clubs and RSLs that have found themselves with gaming machine entitlements they are no longer able to use will be able to surrender them and have their debts forgiven, under a new scheme from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne today announced an electronic gaming machine surrender scheme which will allow clubs and RSLs to give back previously purchased electronic gaming machine entitlements they cannot use, with the remaining debts to be wiped.
Venue operators can only run gaming machines if they hold entitlements and have the required approvals in place.
With an increasing focus on harm minimisation from local councils and the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), a number of clubs and RSLs have found themselves unable to run the gaming machines they have entitlements for.
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 important funds that can 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 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 development of the EGM surrender scheme has been underway for months, including consultation with affected clubs and RSLs.
The scheme will begin in July with select clubs and RSLs to be advised of their eligibility. For more information on gaming machine entitlements, visit .
As stated by Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne
“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.”
“We’re working with the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission and local councils across Victoria to monitor the gambling sector when it comes to the operation of entitlements.”
