Casino win on gaming tables - ABC News - 12th May 2009

The Victorian Government has proposed a broad package of changes to Crown Casino's gaming licence conditions.

Under the proposal, Crown will be allowed to install another 150 game tables, including 50 poker tables.

However, the tax paid on gaming machines would rise from 22.25 per cent to 32.57 per cent in 2014-2015.

Originally Crown was given a lower tax rate than pubs and clubs so it could establish itself in the market.

Gaming Minister Tony Robinson said the changes reflect the fact that Crown has become very successful.

The Minister says with the extra poker tables, Crown will be able to hold and bid for world class international poker tournaments, competing with Las Vegas and Macau.

"Around the world, more and more people are interested in playing and watching poker," he said.

He says the tax hike will be a good deal for taxpayers.

"The forward estimates in the budget last week estimated that in the 4 year period ahead, we estimate around $60 million additional to taxpayers."

Cash grab

The Opposition's Gaming spokesman Michael O'Brien claims the changes are a simple cash-grab.

"In the context of the Government going to take in over $1.64 billion in gambling taxes this year, it shows the Government is just obsessed by gambling revenue, and doing nothing about problem gamblers," he said.

The anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello is appalled by the decision calling it an insidious cosy deal.

"Crown seem to be the first and prime citizen in the state who get cosy deals so there was no consultation, there were no responsible gambling measures, I deplore this decision," he said.

The Government has also promised not to make any other tax changes until the end of 2022.

The changes still need approval from the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation and would take effect in 2014. (Credit: ABC News)

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