Tasmanian Government to review its support program to assist problem gamblers

Matt Maloney | Examiner| 23 Sept 2021  

The government will review the effectiveness of its Gambling Support Program.

The program, funded by a portion of Community Support Levy, directs money towards community education, community grants, and policy development and research.

Community Services Minister Jeremy Rockliff the government was committed to reducing gambling harms through the program’s specialist support services for those impacted by gambling.

Nelson independent MLC Meg Webb said she hoped the review resulted in a more effective program.

“However, neither this review nor the doubling of the CSL are guaranteed to deliver reductions in pokies harm to Tasmanian families and communities,” she said.

Ms Webb said the government had continued to ignore advice from experts on better regulation on electronic gaming machines like reduced maximum bet limits and slower spin speeds.

“If the government had a genuine desire to reduce the harm caused by pokies, it would legislate these straightforward, expert-recommended measures that would make pokies less addictive and safer to use recreationally,” she said.

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