Are the pokies clubs scamming their ‘live music’ incentives to get an 80% liquor licence cut?
Club Forster and Sporties Tuncurry told musicians to operate through a partnership or company from October 1 or lose further bookings. The ATO’s updated guidance says payments to partnerships and companies carry no super guarantee, so the cost moves from the venue to the performer. Both clubs hold NSW’s live music incentive: an 80% liquor licence cut, $2,278,000 in forgone fees for 2026, plus two extra trading hours that include poker machines. The clubs’ operator declined to comment.
Chapters:
00:00 The Club Email
00:45 Super Law
01:50 Cost to Musicians
02:25 Live Music Subsidy
03:15 Pokie Machines
03:50 Licence Discount
04:40 Clubs’ Response
Josh is a journalist, musician and cameraman who is working with Michael West Media to develop The West Report and other visual content across major social media channels, as well as researching and writing articles.
