Victorian Government introduces pokies tax changes

On 14 May 2014, the tax rate on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) at some hotels and clubs increased by 4.2 per cent. The increased tax applies to pokies revenue collected from 1 May 2014 and applies to the top two tax brackets only. There is no change to the bottom tax bracket for hotels and clubs, where the monthly average-per-EGM player loss is below $2,666.

There is also a reduction in the minimum Return to Players (RTP) ratio on pokies, from 87 per cent to 85 per cent. The definition of 'year' has been clarified as a 'calendar year' for calculating RTP.

These changes were announced in December 2013 by the Treasurer, Michael O'Brien.

Read more on the EGM tax rate and minimum RTP ratio at Operating a gaming venue.