The Northern Territory authorities has lowered the variety of poker machines allowed throughout the area because it continues to acknowledge the numerous hurt attributable to drawback playing.
The cap on gaming machines in group venues has been lowered from 1699 to 1659, excluding machines on the NT’s two casinos that are lined by separate agreements.
Gaming Minister Chansey Paech stated since reintroducing the cap when Labor got here to energy in 2016, the federal government had lowered it thrice, reducing about 200 machines from the pool.
“Our government is aware that problem gambling creates a significant public health risk to communities across the NT, and that’s why we are doing what we can to reduce availability of gaming machines,” the minister stated.
“We continue to promote responsible gambling and provide ongoing funding for research as well as community-based support services.”
Tuesday’s adjustments additionally finish a nine-month moratorium on new gaming machines in Alice Springs that was sparked by group concern over plans for 60 extra at motels and taverns within the city.
Applications for 40 of these machines in two venues have since been withdrawn.
Existing functions lodged final yr for 20 machines on the Todd Tavern and Gap View Hotel stay in prepare, nonetheless no new functions from group venues throughout the Territory will probably be accepted as soon as the cap is reached.
In regard to the Mindil Beach Casino in Darwin and the Lasseters Hotel Casino in Alice Springs, the federal government stated they would wish to stick to a brand new code of apply that prioritised hurt minimisation.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
