This provides practical information on authorisations for gaming machine installations, disposal and alterations. For general information on acquiring and managing gaming machines, see: Gaming-related licences and Gaming machine regulation.
When you need authorisation
You must get authorisation to:
- keep gaming machines in your venue
- dispose of a gaming machine
- alter a gaming machine.
For details on progressive jackpot amounts, see the Dispersal Fact Sheet (PDF 1.7MB).
Apply online using Quickchange.
Need help? Contact MAX, the licensed monitoring operator for electronic gaming in NSW:
- Call: 1800 307 551
- Email: dms@max.com.au
Connectivity to CMS
- All new and authorised gaming machines must connect to the Centralised Monitoring System (CMS).
- When disposing of a machine, disconnect it from the CMS.
Find out how to connect and disconnect: CMS
Disposal or conversion of progressive gaming machines or systems
When you dispose of or convert a progressive gaming machine or system, you must disperse the accumulated progressive prizes.
Making dispersals
A dispersal amount is the jackpot value remaining on a progressive machine or system (minus the start-up value) at the time of disposal or conversion.
Dispersal instructions related to progressive disposals
You must complete dispersals on the same day unless the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) approves another arrangement.
You must apply the dispersal amount on the same day in these ways:
| Action when converting or disconnecting... | How to apply the dispersal amount |
|---|---|
If disconnecting and installing another progressive machine/system on the same day: |
Apply the dispersal amount to another authorised progressive machine/system in the same hotel or club. |
| If converting the same machine (same serial number, new game/parameters): | Apply the dispersal amount to that same machine on the day of conversion. |
| If disconnecting a machine and not installing another the same day: | Apply the dispersal amount to another authorised progressive machine/system in the same venue. |
If dispersal amount is too large or no replacement installed same day
If the dispersal amount is too large for the new machine’s jackpot limit, or if no replacement machine is installedthe same day, notify DMS with:
- Dispersal number.
- Amount.
- Date.
- Serial number of the machine/system receiving the dispersal.
Email: dms@max.com.au
How to Make a Dispersal
You can disperse progressive amounts using:
1. Electronic Dispersal
- Through jackpot payments on an authorised progressive machine/system in the venue.
2. Manual Dispersal
- Pay the amount to the Secretary of the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
- You must not make manual dispersals as additional cash payments to players.
In exceptional circumstances the Authority may approve of an alternate method. To request an alternate method email: gaming.probity@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au Any applications for an alternate method of dispersal must be approved by the Authority prior to disposal or conversion
All dispersals must be completed at the time of disposal or conversion.
Manual dispersal payments instructions
Make your payment by credit card on the NSW Payment Portal using the following link:
Once at the portal:
Step 1. Under the heading ‘Agency to issue payment to (optional)’ select ‘L&GNSW – Progressive Jackpot Dispersals’.
Step 2. Under the heading ‘Application Form Number’:
- Select PDC404 for Hotel related dispersals, or
- Select PDC405 for club related dispersals.
Step 3. Under the heading ‘Application fee’ enter the total value remaining to be dispersed.
Step 4. Under the heading ‘Additional Details – enter the Hotel or Club name and Licence Number (LIQHXX, LIQCXX).
Step 5. Under the heading ‘Is this an individual or company/entity application’:
- Select ‘Company/Entity’ option and select the red ‘Next’ button.
Step 6. Enter ‘Company name’, ‘Payer full name’, payer ‘Email address’, and select the red ‘Next’ button.
Step 7. Complete the credit card payment details and enter the payer email address to receive a tax invoice.
Step 8. Attach the tax invoice with the completed Progressive Dispersals Return (download available below) and return it to DMS by email: dms@max.com.au.
Records of payments must be retained at the venue for three years in a way they can be immediately produced when requested by an inspector.
Tax deductions
Payments to the Secretary can be claimed as a tax deduction. To claim a deduction, venues must submit a Progressive Dispersal Return to Data Monitoring Services (DMS) within 11 days following the completion of the tax assessment quarter. DMS will email this form to applicable venues in the last week of a gaming tax quarter.
The Progressive Dispersal Return form contains a declaration of payments made to the Secretary and must be signed by the:
- licensee of a hotel
- secretary of a club
- approved manager of the licensed premises.
Dispersal amounts authorised for electronic dispersal cannot be claimed separately for tax deduction as these amounts will be automatically deducted as part of the total progressive prizes paid by the venue.
All progressive dispersals must be completed at the time of conversion or disposal. Applications for alternate methods of dispersal must be approved by ILGA prior to disposal.
Any progressive dispersal not paid within the timeframe will be referred to L&GNSW's Compliance & Enforcement Division and potential breach action may result.
Download: Progressive Dispersal Return template (PDF 277.9KB)