More gaming machines for the NT

New rules will see the current cap lifted on the number of gaming machines in the Northern Territory.

But from January 1 venues will have to pay a one-off fee for every additional machine approved.

The current cap of 1190 machines has been in place since 2008 but the Territory government says that's now outdated.

"According to the ABS, since 2009 the Territory's population has grown by 20,000 and there have been many new licensed venues opened that may wish to pursue the option of offering gaming machines in their venues," Business Minister Peter Styles said.

"With the cap in place, they have been prevented from doing so and we are restoring an even playing field so that new entrants aren't competing at a disadvantage."

Venues will be subjected to a "rigorous process" before new machines are approved, Mr Styles added.

Pubs and clubs will be required to pay $10,000 per machine and hotels $50,000 at the time of application.

From July 1 the number of electronic gaming machines available to individual venues will also increase to a maximum of 55 per venue.

The government says the move will generate several million dollars in increased taxation revenue and entitlement fees.

It will also be increasing the funding it provides to help problem gamblers.