ACT Inquiry to Help Clubs Reduce Gambling Dependence

The Australian Capital Territory is taking bold steps to reshape the future of its club sector. The ACT government has approved an independent inquiry to explore how clubs can reduce their reliance on gambling revenue and transition toward more sustainable and community-focused operations. The initiative will provide a long-term roadmap to help clubs diversify income, improve financial resilience, and repurpose land for broader social use. Stakeholders are encouraged to support the inquiry, which could set a national precedent for harm minimization and industry transformation.

ACT Government Launches Independent Inquiry to Help Clubs Move Beyond Gambling Revenue

3 Key Points:

1. ACT’s inquiry will explore sustainable alternatives to gambling revenue for clubs across the territory.
2. It supports the broader goal of reducing gaming machine authorizations to 1,000 by 2045.
3. The inquiry will also assess land use for affordable housing and aged care facilities.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has approved the launch of an independent inquiry aimed at transforming the financial future of community clubs by helping them reduce their dependence on gambling revenue. The move is a key milestone in the government’s broader agenda to promote social responsibility and economic sustainability in the gambling sector.

The inquiry will officially commence mid-2025 and is expected to deliver a final report by early 2026. It will explore a wide range of themes, including financial sustainability, business model diversification, workforce training, and the future use of club-owned land.

Reimagining Clubs in a Post-Gambling Era

ACT Minister for Gaming Reform Marisa Paterson stated the goal is to develop a 20-year strategic roadmap that will help the club industry transition into a model that better serves the community without heavy reliance on electronic gaming machines.

“We’re already on track to reduce gaming machine authorizations to 3,500 by July 2025, down from 4,956 in 2018,” Paterson said. “The inquiry will help us determine how to reach our long-term target of 1,000 machines by 2045.”

Paterson emphasized that while many clubs have made headway in reducing gambling reliance, more focused and strategic support is needed to ensure long-term viability.

Beyond Revenue: Social Impact and Land Use

In addition to financial models, the inquiry will assess whether club-owned land could be repurposed to support affordable housing, aged care, and supported accommodation projects—thereby transforming club assets into community infrastructure.

Paterson noted that the inquiry will welcome proposals from individual experts, consortiums, or consultancies with expertise in economics, social planning, or business transition strategies.

Industry Welcomes the Initiative

ClubsACT CEO Craig Shannon issued a statement expressing support for the inquiry, reinforcing the sector’s vital role in community life.

“The not-for-profit club sector in Canberra is a foundation stone of our community,” Shannon said. “We’re confident this process will highlight our importance and help ensure sustainability.”

Shannon added that the club sector continues to support local sports, arts, and social programs—an impact the inquiry must take into account when designing any future regulatory reforms.

A Model for Broader Reform?

The ACT’s approach could serve as a national template for jurisdictions grappling with similar challenges. Across Australia, public concern over gambling-related harm is increasing, and governments are under pressure to balance economic contributions with social responsibility.

If successful, this inquiry may influence gambling policy frameworks beyond the ACT, encouraging other states to pursue similar pathways of harm minimization through economic diversification.

The ACT government’s inquiry signals a progressive shift in the future of club funding models. By actively supporting clubs in their transition away from gambling reliance, the territory is investing in a more sustainable, socially responsible community infrastructure. With careful planning and collaboration, this process could redefine what clubs mean to the public—shifting them from gambling hubs to inclusive, purpose-driven spaces that meet evolving community needs.