Pokies Critics Hail New Limits

David Killick | The Mercury | 16 September 2022

WORLD-LEADING reforms to limit the amount of money gamblers can lose on poker machines in the state’s pubs, clubs and casinos will be introduced by the Tasmanian government.

Treasurer Michael Ferguson announced on Thursday that mandatory pre- commitment cards will be introduced for all electronic gaming machine venues and will by default cap losses to $100 in a day, $500 in a month and $5000 in a year.

Gamblers will be able to lower the limits at any time or raise them if they can show they are able to afford greater losses. The reforms were hailed by anti-gambling campaigners as a bold and welcome move.

“Routine default pre-commitment that applies statewide in Tasmania is the gold standard of harm minimisation measures,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Tasmania is the first state to announce a scheme of this kind. It will provide those most at risk of gambling harm with protection while having no impact on recreational gamblers.”

Gamblers will be required to show identification to obtain a card at pokies venues.

The finer details of the scheme are yet to be determined, but cards are likely to require a personal identification number (PIN) to allow access. The measures are expected to be in place in all Tasmanian venues by 2024.

Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission chair Jenny Cranston described the announcement as a major achievement. “This is part of a great movement forward in protecting people,” she said.

“It’s not just about protecting those who might suffer harm,” Ms Cranston said.

“For the first time, every person who uses a gaming machine in Tasmania will be able to have their data tracked and they will be able to know exactly what they’re spending and how much they’re losing across all venues across a period of time.

“This will be a very valuable tool for everybody who uses a gaming machine in Tasmania,” she said.

MLC Meg Webb – a longtime critic of government gambling policy – said she was thrilled by the announcement. “What we’ve seen today from the state government could be the first time ever that we’ve seen pokies policy not written by industry brought in, in the best interests of our state and the people of Tasmania. That’s something I welcome strongly and warmly,” she said.

“We absolutely have to get this right. This is nation-leading reform when it comes to poker machines and reducing harm, we can take the time to get a rock solid system in place to get the best value and the most harm reduction out of this new approach.”

Tasmanian Hospitality Association chief executive Steve Old said the announcement is in direct contradiction to all public statements and conversations with government.

“Tasmanians entrusted the Liberal government at he 2018 election with their vote because they supported freedom and choice. Freedom and choice have been sacrificed by the Rockliff Liberal Cabinet at the expense of a fair go,” he said.

TasCOSS chief executive Ms Adrienne Picone said it was a sign the government had listened to the concerns of Tasmanians about the amount of money lost on pokies, as well as the experts when it comes to reducing gambling harm.

“This is a strong example of public policy that is responsive to community voices and is grounded in evidence,” Ms Picone said.

Longtime anti-gambling campaigner and federal MP for Clark Andrew Wilkie also welcomed the move. “The system will be an Australian first and put considerable pressure on the territories and other states to follow suit.

“I expect the poker machine industry to fight tooth and nail against this reform, but that will just be another demonstration of that industry’s complete and utter disregard for the public interest.”

Mr Ferguson announced the Tasmanian Hospitality Association would receive $268,000 to deliver industry support and training on the new measures.