Wealthy Sydney pokie clubs tap millions in live music discounts
NSW Labor started vibrancy reforms in 2023. They give 80% licence fee discounts to pokie venues for hosting live music.
Hundreds of Sydney poker machine venues, clubs and hotels claim millions in discounts on liquor licensing fees under NSW's vibrancy reforms. The reforms started in 2023.
Venues host live music to get these discounts. The scheme offers an 80% discount on annual licence fees for venues hosting at least 10 gigs per month.
These venues also get two extra trading hours. As of April, 59% of the 645 venues using the scheme have gaming machines.
Hotels saved more than $1.5 million in fees, clubs nearly $400,000. Campbelltown Catholic Club is one of the state's most profitable gaming venues with 445 poker machines.
It hosts live acts on a stage that is roughly the size of six machines. Independent music venues including Mary's Underground, Divine Playhouse and Blah Bar closed this year.
Arts groups say the government backs wealthy businesses. Meanwhile, grassroots musicians and small cultural spaces struggle.
- 80 per cent
- Licence fee discount
- 59 per cent of 645
- Venues in scheme with gaming machines
- More than $1.5 million
- Hotel licence fee savings
- 445 poker machines
- Campbelltown Catholic Club machines
Why it mattersGovernment arts spending was meant to boost live music. But it is enriching established hospitality businesses. Independent venues are disappearing.
AustraliaNSW independent musicians and small music venues are closing as government subsidies flow to profitable pokie clubs in Sydney.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 41 min ago
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