NSW to Reform Casino Tax Rates

Casino tax arrangements will be reformed by the NSW Government to help fund vital services.

The proposed increases are anticipated to commence on 1 July 2023 and include tax rates on what the casinos earn from gaming tables and poker machines. They are forecast to raise an additional $364 million over the next three years.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the changes will support the State’s fiscal sustainability as it continues to invest in communities recovering from the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19, bushfires and floods.

“It’s important that casinos pay their fair share of tax. These reformed tax rates will replace the existing regime under which casinos pay less tax on poker machines than hotels and clubs,” Mr Kean said.

“These changes will ensure that the casinos continue to make an appropriate contribution to the community and support the delivery of vital Government services.”

Mr Kean said casinos provide employment and entertainment for thousands of people across the State and these changes will support their ongoing contribution to the NSW economy.

The updated poker machine rate will bring NSW into line with Victoria, following recent reforms to casino taxation arrangements announced in the 2022-23 Victorian Budget.

The NSW Government, through the Responsible Gambling Fund, is spending $33 million in 2022-23 to support people experiencing gambling harm, educating the community on the risks of gambling and investing in research to better understand gambling behaviour. The 2022-23 NSW Budget committed to allocating an additional $5 million per year to the Responsible Gambling Fund, increasing in line with inflation.