A Bigger Tax for Gambling Companies in Australia

Poker machine tax was increased 43 percent in order to sustain a State Government plan to boost public hospital funding by $39 million a year.

Treasurer John Brumby declared that the plans to better hospital services meant imposing a tax of $4333 for each slot machine, a $1300 increase. So, from July 1, the tax will bring in $130 million a year from the gambling industry for public hospital equipment and renovations, compared to $91 million at present.

Tattersalls and Tabcorp, two of the larger gambling companies operating in Australia, attacked the decision to impose the tax. They stated that this amendment would massively devalue their businesses. Mr Brumby promised there would be no further increases regarding this tax.