Many QHA Members have expressed a desire to keep EGM doors open overnight to lessen the attractiveness of EGM’s as a target from robbery, increase staff and community safety and limit any potential damage.

Following QHA representation, venues can now apply to OLGR for approval to perform cash clearances without counting immediately, and to also leave EGM doors open overnight. This could also apply during our current shut-down period.

The following information is provided by OLGR:

Authority to open a gaming machine

The licensee of the licensed premises or an employee who attends to gaming machines are authorised to:

  • open machines
  • check gaming tokens inside the machine
  • remove gaming tokens from the cabinet or cash box.

Also, a person who is authorised to unlock or open a door of a gaming machine on licensed premises must lock or securely close the door before leaving the machine or on completion of the purpose for which the machine was unlocked or opened.

But you may request from us the approval to, for example:

  • remove the cash box from gaming machine at the end of the night (to be stored securely on site)
  • return the cash box to gaming machine the following morning (i.e. prior to its operation)
  • allow the door to the gaming machine to remain open in the interim.

Note: The door of the gaming machine must be locked following return of the cash box.

QHA Members wishing to apply for this approval should send their request via email to: OLGRlicensing@justice.qld.gov.au