New data released on September 30 has revealed that COVID-19 closures had a significant impact on poker machine use across the Southern Highlands.
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The report, released by Liquor and Gaming NSW, outlined the latest gaming machine data across the state.
From December 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020 clubs in the Wingecarribee Local Government Area totalled $4,0486,06.66 in net profit from 313 electronic gaming machines over seven premises.
From January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 hotels brought in a net profit of $2,348,717.55 from 132 electronic gaming machines over 13 premises.
These figures were down compared to reports released last year.
Southern Highlands clubs from June 1, 2019 to November 30, 2019 took in $7,100,877.29 net profit and paid $1,188,735.42 in tax.
Hotels were also impacted. For the period of July 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 they recorded $3,877,161.19 in net profit and paid $948,412.55 tax.
A Liquor and Gaming NSW spokesperson said the net profit figures across NSW showed significant decreases in gaming machine profits.
"This coincides with restrictions placed on gaming venues as a result of the COVID-19 Public Health Orders, including a 10-week closure of all gaming venues from March 23 to May 31," they said.
State-wide compared to the previous six-month period:
- The total number of operating gaming machines fell by 870.
- Net profit decreased by 41 per cent for hotels and 40 per cent for clubs.
- Total net profit decreased by 40.6 per cent.
Compared to the same six-month period across NSW in 2019:
- The total number of operating gaming machines fell by 908.
- Net profit decreased by 33.2 per cent for hotels and 37.6 per cent for clubs.
- Total net profit decreased by 35.9 per cent.
Tax adjustments for 2019-20 are yet to be finalised.
