Media Release – Card-Based Pokies

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today welcomed the State Liberal Government’s introduction of a universal card-based method of using poker machines in venues.

“While this will not stop all harm, it is a significant improvement in providing protection to Tasmanians who use poker machines,” Ms Webb said.

“The Government is rolling out a new, cashless way of using poker machines, where a player card with set loss limits will be required to use the machines.”

Ms Webb said having default daily, monthly and annual loss limits will be helpful in promoting the safer use of poker machines.

“Mostly crucially, setting an annual loss limit of $5000 which cannot be extended without proof of financial capacity, should reduce the risk of catastrophic financial harm.

“If effective, this should mean we no longer see Tasmanians losing their homes, their business or their life savings due to pokies addiction.”

Ms Webb said the industry always claims pokies are a recreational product.

“However, evidence has always indicated that at least 40 per cent of the losses come from people who are addicted.

“This card-based system with set loss limits will allow for genuinely recreational play, while helping to minimise losses from people who are addicted.

“Nothing about this proposal is an imposition on recreational use of pokies.

“If the industry genuinely wants to offer a safer product and see significant harm reduction, they should welcome this reform.”

Ms Webb said she will always argue Tasmania can do more to make poker machines even safer.

“While this reform would not be my first choice of effectively reducing harm,  it is clearly a step in the right direction.

“Importantly, this is a nation-leading reform and will be carefully studied to gauge it’s impact and effectiveness.”

Media Contact: A.Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732

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