Crown Melbourne is to get an additional 150 gaming tables in return for a 10.5% increase in gaming machine tax over the next six years. The new tax will bring Crown into line with other operators in Victoria and provide the state government with around A$60 million extra revenue over the next four years. Crown has announced a A$46 million upgrade of gaming facilities leading to the creation of 300 more casino jobs.

Following a recent surge in popularity, poker tables at Crown will be increased from 50 to 100. Up to 200 terminals for multi-station table games will be added also. Both the government and Crown realise that the Melbourne casino will be facing increasing competition from casinos in Macau and Singapore and needs to offer more facilities.

In return for paying extra gaming tax Crown has received assurances that the Health Benefit Levy, which has been described as an ambush tax and presently stands at A$4333 per machine per year, will be abolished by July 2012. The government has also committed to making no further tax or levy changes before June 2022, giving Crown certainty in development plans. (E-05.12.09)

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