Hon Nathan Guy
Minister of Internal Affairs
18 August 2011

Gaming societies will be allowed to make multi-year grants from 15 September, the Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy has announced today.

“Up until now, non-casino gaming machine (e.g. pokie machine) societies could only make annual grants to the community.

“This change will be welcomed by many sporting, cultural and charity groups. It will give them the confidence to focus on delivering longer-term projects for the benefit of local communities. It will be particularly helpful for major events and capital projects.

“The Gambling (Class 4 Net Proceeds) Regulations 2004 have now been amended so that societies can make commitments in-principle to multi-year grants. Commitments can only be in-principle because societies must still comply with the Gambling Act 2003 before grants can be made.

“This reflects the Government’s goal of maximising the returns to the community from the proceeds of gambling.

“There are currently 50 gaming machine societies operating in commercial venues, and in 2010/11 they raised around $250 million for community purposes.”

The Department of Internal Affairs will be providing further information to gaming machine societies and to community groups that are potential grant recipients.

ENDS

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