The Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania (SEIS) is the best source of information about local gambling activity. The SEIS provides useful data for making decisions about gambling regulation and consumer protection.

Note: SEIS researchers say that the survey underestimates the amount of money and time spent gambling and the number of people negatively affected. The study relies primarily on a phone interview with detailed questions. For many who have a problem with gambling it will be difficult to answer accurately or honestly. Many people addicted to pokies would choose not to participate in the survey.

KEY POINTS FROM THE MOST RECENT SEIS:

• Gambling harm is not insignificant.

  At least 27,000 Tasmanians are addicted or at-risk gamblers and each of these negatively affect between 5 and 10 other people such as family members and work mates.

• Pokies cause the most gambling harm.

  Poker machines are still the main cause of gambling harm despite the increase in online gambling.

• Poker machines are not just ‘any product’.

  At least half of the losses on poker machines comes from at-risk gamblers, who gamble more frequently. Non-problem gamblers gamble less than once a week; low-risk gamblers 1.5 times a week and moderate-risk and problem gamblers at least 3 times a week. This provides a good marker for in-venue interventions.

megwebb.com.au

Authorised by Meg Webb, Parliament House, Hobart