The security of gaming machine profits (GMP) and the potential for theft at Class 4 venues is a problem for many hotels and clubs struggling with reduced cash flow during general economic downturn.

The immediate availability of sometimes large amounts of GMP can lead to acts of theft and dishonesty by venue personal.

Under Game Rule 98(b) of the Class 4 Game Rules 2004, every corporate society must notify the Department immediately of: "any incident of theft, burglary, robbery or any other event that impacts upon the ability of any Class 4 venue of the corporate society to comply with banking requirements under section 104 of the Act, regulations, game rules or licence conditions."

Societies and club management are also expected to inform the police in all cases of theft.  This will ensure that insurance claims are processed and will deter venue key persons falsely reporting to a society external theft as a cover for what is in effect an internal theft.  Details including the police file reference number and the name of the officer assigned to conduct enquiries should be passed to the Department.

Under Game Rule 98 and its Misuse of GMP Policy, the Department expects corporate societies to tell it of all thefts they learn of, even if the venue is still banking GMP in a timely manner.  This requirement is not satisfied by notifying only the police.

(Source: Gambits, Page 7, March 2010 - The Department of Internal Affairs)