ACT Government to review poker machine community contribution scheme

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has agreed to a review of its Community Contributions Scheme following an audit by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission. The regulator found that all 19 club licensees examined were non-compliant with various elements of the scheme’s reporting requirements.

The review, prompted by a motion from Greens MLA Rebecca Vassarotti, will investigate the transparency of how poker machine revenue is distributed to community and sports groups. Key areas of focus include the valuation of non-cash or in-kind donations, such as the provision of facilities and meeting rooms, and whether these should count toward mandatory obligations.

Under ACT law, clubs must contribute at least 8 per cent of their net gaming machine revenue to community purposes. Last year, Canberra clubs reported nearly $7 million in contributions. The review will also consider the feasibility of establishing a centralized, independent fund to manage these contributions as the government moves forward with gambling reforms.