The Iemma Government will defer the poker machine tax payments of scores of clubs in a bid to compensate for a loss of revenue since the indoor smoking ban came into force. 

The Gaming and Racing Minister, Graham West, confirmed yesterday that the Government was drawing up a policy in response to a request from Clubs NSW to allow as many as 150 clubs to defer their payments for a year or 18 months. 

About 20 clubs have asked for deferrals in their quarterly payments, citing indoor smoking bans as the reason. 

It is the latest concession to hotels and clubs from the Government, which has benefited from political donations from both industries. 

Clubs Win Tax Break To Ease The Pain