The New South Wales (NSW) administration has affirmed that it will implement a collection of new levies on the state’s land-based gambling establishments.
The NSW administration’s strategy to enhance casino tax rates has been in development for a period. The present administration presented the pertinent proposals in December 2022, aiming to make them operational in July 2023.
These tax increases were incorporated into the financial plan and were inherited by the current administration as a legacy policy following the March election. The new administration released an update in June, indicating that they intended to proceed with these plans.
At the time, they did not verify the tax rates but did confirm that they would engage in discussions with the casinos regarding the matter. Prior to this, several casino operators (including Star Entertainment Group) had voiced criticism of the manner in which the tax increases were being proposed.
The administration reached a fundamental agreement over the summer concerning the shorter tax increases. These rates have now been verified by the administration and will become effective on July 1st of this year.
What tax percentages will casino operators confront?
The rebate game tax rate will escalate from 10.0% to 12.5%, and the non-rebate table game tax rate will escalate from 17.91% to 20.25%. These two tax percentages are in alignment with the proposals put forth by the current administration.
The non-refundable levy on gaming machines (pokies) is currently set at 20.91%. However, this rate will rise to 21.91% commencing July 1, 2024, and will further increase to 22.91% on July 1, 2027.
From June 30, 2030, the tax rate will be structured in tiers, in line with the recommendations of the previous administration.
Machines with an average gaming machine revenue (AMPR) below $2,666 (GBP 1,398/EUR 1,601/USD 1,754) will be exempt from taxation. Machines generating revenue between $2,666 and $6,667 will be subject to a tax rate of 37.6%. Machines with revenue between $6,667 and $12,500 will be taxed at a rate of 42.1%, while machines with AMPR exceeding this limit will be taxed at a rate of 51.6%.
The gaming machine tax rates and thresholds may be subject to a friendly review between July 1, 2030, and September 30, 2030, upon request from casino operators.
The government has also confirmed that the existing responsible gaming tax will remain unchanged, with a rate of 2%.
Furthermore, The Star Entertainment Group has agreed to pay an additional tax equivalent to 35% of the portion of its gambling revenue that surpasses $1.13 billion for the period between July 1 and June 30 each year at The Star Sydney casino.
The Star Entertainment Group has expressed approval of the new tax rates in New South Wales. Robbie Cook, CEO and Managing Director of The Star Entertainment Group, has conveyed appreciation for the increased tax rates. The operator engaged in negotiations with the government on this matter and agreed to the initial rates in August, which Cook stated would contribute to safeguarding jobs.
Star Entertainment expresses gratitude to the New South Wales government for their assistance in this endeavor. Cook stated that formalizing these agreements will safeguard the positions of their Sydney team and enable them to continue addressing the issues at The Star Sydney, restoring the confidence of their patrons.
Star Entertainment has encountered a challenging period in New South Wales. In April, they announced cost reductions and restructuring due to the rapidly deteriorating circumstances in New South Wales.
The company has been subject to governmental scrutiny for potential misconduct. In response, Star Entertainment has pledged to collaborate more closely with the New South Wales government to formalize arrangements.
These agreements encompass a pilot program for cashless and card-based gaming. This represents a step towards modifying regulations in New South Wales, which will mandate the use of cashless and card-based gaming in all casinos within the state commencing August 2024.
Star Entertainment has also declared their intention to maintain a specific number of employees in New South Wales. This figure may fluctuate based on the prevailing circumstances and any significant alterations.