In July 2022, the Queensland Government began a trial to make it easier for hotels to transfer their gaming machine operating authorities by reducing the transfer fees from 33 per cent to 15 per cent.
The trial had a successful start with tender 50, which closed in September 2022, seeing an increase in the number of authorities available for purchase. There were more than 100 authorities offered.
Prices of operating authorities also increased in tender 50 with the average price for an operating authority in the South-East and Coast regions rising to $374,471 and $196,815 respectively.
If licensees wish to take advantage of the transfer fee reduction initiative during the trial period, you can lodge an application for a decrease in gaming machines or surrender your gaming machine licence. For more information contact OLGR at OLGRLicensing@justice.qld.gov.au or call 1300 072 322.
For licensees looking for opportunities to purchase additional operating authorities, a further two tenders may be held before the end of the trial, provided OLGR has sufficient authorities available for sale.
More information, including up to date advice on any upcoming tenders, is available on the Business Queensland website