Latest news: ClubsACT

ACT gaming minister Shane Rattenbury could force clubs to surrender poker machines, a bill introduced this week proposes.

Canberrans lost more than $190 million on electric gaming machines last year, and clubs and politicians believe a new approach is needed.

Labor MLA Dr Marisa Paterson believes that the service of alcohol and all gambling activity in clubs designated as refuges should cease.

Pokies at clubs are in the Canberra Gambling Reform Alliance’s crosshairs; their new strategy to minimise gambling harm wants tighter regulations and fewer gaming machines by the end of the decade.

Amended regulatory processes for Responsible Service of Alcohol will make it easier for interstate hospitality staff to work in the ACT.

Canberra’s clubs sector is prepared to work as an industry with the ACT Government on reviewing the proposed $5 bet and $100 credit limits for poker machines and centralised monitoring system, ClubsACT CEO Craig Shannon said, but has some reservations.