Tabcorp and its gaming services provider MAX have provided $195 million in fee relief to their pub and club customers nationally to September this year.
The bulk of this relief – $165 million – came from waived fees from MAX, which provides a range of gaming products and professional services.
MAX said it has been providing fee relief to its venue partners since the start of the pandemic last year, while continuing to provide services where possible.
“To be equitable, fair, and within the spirit of current and future partnerships, we suspended financial obligations,” MAX said.
“The impact of COVID-19 has been challenging for many and continues to affect our everyday lives. The gaming and hospitality industries have experienced these impacts like few others.
“Our support and focus are with our clients, industry partners, their teams, and our people who are navigating these challenges to business and home life.”
According to MAX, its venue partners had expressed just how critical this support has been to them. “Several have said without the suspension of fees, their businesses would have struggled to emerge from lengthy and repeated lockdowns.”
ClubsNSW CEO and Clubs Australia Executive Director Josh Landis said, “Clubs right across the country have been hit hard by COVID-19 and the subsequent industry shutdowns, so to have Tabcorp lend a helping hand in the way of fee relief and other measures has been greatly appreciated. On behalf of our member clubs, I want to thank them for everything they have done for our industry.”
Paul Carew, MAX’s chief operating officer of Gaming Services said, “As many businesses have, we’ve had to reassess and make changes to the way we look at our business and introduce new initiatives to help our customers get even better service and unlock commercial efficiencies.
“We’re here to help them build a plan to get their business into the best possible position, stabilise and grow.
“I extend an open invitation to all our customers and everyone industry-wide to get in touch with our team. We’re here to support you through these uncertain times and ready to work with you.”