Clubs and hotels in Victoria, Australia, have been urged to plan at least five years beyond the 2012 gaming industry restructure, under which hotels and clubs will be able to bid directly for 10-year gaming machine entitlements.
Speaking at the Victorian Gaming Machine Briefing, former Premier Jeff Kennett said that the introduction of the new structure in 2012 would “only get you to the farm gate – you’ve got to open those gates, open the paddock and plan for what comes next.”
The event was hosted by the Gaming Technologies Association and operated alongside the Club and Hotels Expo and the Foodservice Infocus Expo at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. A range of influential presentations were “enthusiastically” received by an audience of more than 350 people. Along with Kennett’s presentation, Clubs Victoria executive director Margaret Kearney reviewed information from the Gambling Licences Review.
Bill Brown, special counsel at Landers and Rogers Lawyers, presented a legal perspective and said that venues would experience a ‘risk appetite test’ in coming years, but that the restructure presents clubs and hotels with the opportunity to exert greater control over their businesses.
The briefing sessions were supplemented by exhibition stands showcasing the latest gaming machine products and services from GTA members, including Ainsworth, Aristocrat, IGT, Konami and Stargames.
“The people who design, develop, manufacture and supply gaming machines are better connected with Victoria’s hoteliers and club executives after this event,” said Ross Ferrar, GTA’s chief executive officer. “While GTA members have actively supported gaming in Victoria’s hospitality industries since its inception, this improved connection with key decision makers will help ensure that the transition to the post-2012 structure is seamless and effective for all stakeholders.”
