NSW grants financial aid to pokie operators

With gaming machine revenues down, ILGA has extended payment periods for operators.

Australia.- The New South Wales Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) has eased the conditions on financial assistance for pokie operators.

With gaming machines revenues down since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Gaming Technologies Association and manufacturers like Aristocrat asked ILGA to provide assistance to operators.

The authority has now approved temporary changes to financial arrangements for the acquisition of gaming machines under section 72(1)(b) of the Gaming Machines Act 2001.

ILGA has extended existing approved payment terms by a further 90 days, with a six month extension for payment plans approved from a year to three years ago.

The new financial arrangements will also allow a general deferral of payments of up to 6 months in exceptional cases, at the discretion of the licensed dealer or seller.

ILGA said: “The temporary financial arrangements will also be available to hotels and clubs placing new orders up to 30 September 2020.”

The new conditions will remain in force until reviewed by ILGA after September 30.