There was formerly a loophole in local gaming laws that allowed gaming developers to continue operating despite having their licenses suspended. For several months, a few local operators were able to continue having their poker machines accept wagers, despite not having met their tax requirements. Now, the Department of Internal Affairs has finally stepped in, enforcing the law and suspending the operation of Grassroots Trust’s poker machines.
The company’s license was initially suspended in December 2011. Despite not having paid over $500 000 in pokies funding to the community, Grassroots Trust’s pokies remained operational until this month. It was only in July 2012 that the local government decided to get involved.
Now, poker machines at 21 different pubs across the area will be suspended. Throughout July and August, Grassroots Trust pokies will not accept wagers. As such, both Grassroots Trust and local pubs will lose out on revenue. The Department of Internal Affairs has not published an estimate on how much this will set the trust back; however, we imagine it is enough to ensure that Grassroots Trust will remember to pay its bills on time in the future.
