Media Release: Pokies Barons’ Bullying and Profits Exposed by ex-Treasurer

Pokies Barons’ Bullying and Profits Exposed by ex-Treasurer

The former Tasmanian Treasurer has confirmed the years long bullying tactics employed by the pokies industry on government in order to protect their shockingly increased profits, said Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb.

“Former Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Michael Ferguson, has finally aired the dirty laundry we all knew was hidden behind government’s closed doors.  We now have clear confirmation of the pressure applied by the pokies industry to rewrite public policy to protect its profits,” Ms Webb said.

“And what profits they are.

“In December last year alone one venue made an additional $73, 000 profit on pokies.

“The former Treasurer has just disclosed average additional profits of between 40 and 60 percent for pokies across the majority of pokies venues.

“I warned when the new licencing scheme was introduced in July 2023 the pokies would rake it in, and now the former Treasurer has confirmed the shocking leap in profits for pokies venues.

“I am appalled and saddened by the confirmation of the extent by which the pokies industry is profiting from people’s addiction, harm and pain.  The government and the Parliament were warned.

“The current Treasurer must now release the pokies data detailing the monthly profit results for licenced venues since the introduction of the new gaming laws in mid-2023.

“Earlier this week I had already put in a request for that data.  Former-Treasurer Mr Ferguson has now confirmed the government has that pokies revenue data so there is no reason why it cannot be released immediately.

“Sadly, we also have confirmation that Labor has been captured by the pokies industry, with the Opposition Leader today again reported parroting the industry’s line on facial recognition technology despite evidence showing that is a marginally effective pokies reform option.

“Facial recognition will make little dent in the pokies industry profits, such as the additional $73 000 at least one venue raked in over one month, making it safe to assume it will also have little impact on the pokies industry political donations to the major parties.

“Tasmania is indeed at a political and moral crossroads, when it comes to politicians of all stripes needing to withstand the pressure of a predatory pokies industry.

“Tasmanians impacted by pokies harm need and deserve a Minister who champions them, rather than a puppet fleecing the community for the pokies barons holding the government’s strings,” Ms Webb said.

View text of Ms Webb’s question on Pokies Profits under the New Licencing Schemeput to government on 30 October 2024, below or here: