NSW Increases Casino Tax Rates
The New South Wales (NSW) administration has affirmed that it will impose elevated levies on land-based gambling establishments in the state.
The NSW administration has finalized strategies to enhance casino tax rates, which have been in development for a period. The current administration proposed the modifications in December 2022, aiming for them to take effect from July 2023.
These tax increases were incorporated into the financial plan and were inherited as a legacy policy by the current administration after the March election. The new administration released an update in June, stating their intention to proceed with the strategies.
At the time, the administration did not confirm the tax rates but confirmed that they would be negotiating with casinos on the subject. Previously, some casino operators, including Star Entertainment Group, had criticized the method in which the tax increases were being implemented.
The administration reached an agreement in principle over the summer to increase the tax rates over a shorter period. These rates have now been confirmed by the administration and will come into effect on July 1st of this year.
What tax rates will casino operators encounter?
The rebate game tax rate will increase from 10.0% to 12.5%, and the non-rebate game table game tax rate will increase from 17.91% to 20.25%. Both of these rates are in line with the proposals made by the current administration.
The fixed tax rate for slot machines will stay at 20.91% for now and is not anticipated to change soon. However, starting July 1, 2024, the rate will climb to 21.91% and will increase again on July 1, 2027, to 22.91%.
From June 30, 2030, the tax rate will be divided into levels, as suggested by the previous administration.
Machines with an Average Machine Per Revenue (AMPR) below $2,666 (GBP 1,398/EUR 1,601/USD 1,754) will not be taxed. Machines with revenue between $2,666 and $6,667 will be taxed at 37.6%, machines with revenue between $6,667 and $12,500 will be taxed at 42.1%, and machines with an AMPR exceeding this limit will be taxed at 51.6%.
Slot machine tax rates and limits may be reviewed in good faith between July 1, 2030, and September 30, 2030, at the request of casino operators.
The government has also confirmed that the current responsible gambling tax will stay the same, at a rate of 2%.
Furthermore, the Star Group has agreed to pay an extra tax equal to 35% of the part of the Star Sydney casino’s gaming revenue that surpasses $1.13 billion each year from July 1 to June 30.
The Star Group has been pleased with the new tax rates in New South Wales. Robbie Cooke, CEO and Managing Director of the Star Group, has expressed his approval of the higher tax rates. The operator negotiated the issue with the government and agreed to the initial rates in August, which Cooke stated would help safeguard jobs.
Star City Entertainment is pleased with the New South Wales government’s assistance in this situation. Cook stated, “Formalizing these arrangements safeguards the employment of our Sydney team and enables us to continue our efforts in restoring Star City Sydney to its former glory and regaining the confidence of our patrons.”
Star City Entertainment has faced a challenging period in New South Wales. In April, they announced plans to implement cost reductions and restructuring measures due to the rapidly deteriorating circumstances.
The company has been the subject of multiple government investigations. In response, Star City Entertainment has pledged to strengthen its collaboration with the New South Wales government to formalize certain arrangements.
These agreements encompass a pilot program for cashless and card-based gambling. This initiative represents a step towards modifying regulations in New South Wales, mandating the implementation of cashless and card-based gambling across all casinos in the state commencing in August 2024.
Star City Entertainment has also committed to maintaining a specific workforce size in New South Wales. This commitment ensures the retention of a certain number of employees within the state, while allowing for necessary adjustments in the event of unforeseen circumstances or changing conditions.
