Chalmers states it is ‘concerning’ that gambling companies claimed $90 million in research tax credits within a single year.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has suggested that the government may consider preventing poker machine and betting companies from accessing research and development (R&D) tax concessions. This comes after Australian Tax Office (ATO) data revealed that gambling companies claimed nearly $90 million in R&D tax credits during a single financial year.

At a press conference on Monday, Chalmers responded to a question regarding the appropriateness of these companies claiming government tax credits for R&D. “I have a personal view about that, which is that it’s problematic,” he stated, hinting that the government might take action but noting there was no immediate announcement. “When that information was released, it warranted our attention. And it will receive our attention,” Chalmers added.

The newly published ATO figures, part of a transparency initiative, disclosed that four major gambling companies claimed a total of $86.5 million in tax credits for the 2021-22 financial year. The breakdown included Tabcorp ($39.5 million), Aristocrat ($22.2 million), Ainsworth Game Technology ($15 million), and PointsBet ($9.95 million). Additionally, Advance Gaming Pty Ltd and Amerson Global Gaming Pty Ltd claimed $1.84 million and $177,721, respectively.

The treasurer’s remarks align with calls from independent MP Andrew Wilkie for stricter regulations to ensure that gambling companies do not benefit from the proceeds of crime. Wilkie cited cases where individuals with gambling addictions have stolen money and gambled it away, emphasizing the importance of returning stolen proceeds to victims. “It’s the right thing to do,” Wilkie said, drawing an analogy to stolen cars and jewelry being returned to their rightful owners.

Wilkie has previously attempted to have legislation debated in federal parliament that would mandate such measures, but these efforts have been blocked by major parties, as governments typically do not allow non-government bills to reach debate and vote.

Wilkie clarified that he is not anti-gambling but advocates for harm-minimization strategies to protect communities.