Tasmania Faces Mixed Reactions Over Poker Machine Reforms and Delayed Cashless Gaming Rollout

Like many parts of Australia, Tasmania is grappling with the challenges of pokie machine gambling. Gambling regulation was a major focus in the 2018 state elections, sparking intense debate. Since then, Tasmanians have lost over $1.14 billion to pokies, heightening concerns about their social and financial impact on local communities. Notably, these figures do not include losses from online pokie gambling at offshore casinos.

To address these issues, Tasmania is taking bold steps to introduce mandatory pre-commitment cards for all pokie machine players.

Disadvantaged Communities 

A key concern surrounding pokies in Tasmania is their concentration in the state’s most disadvantaged areas. Research from Anglicare Tasmania shows that vulnerable communities are home to a disproportionately high number of pokie machines, exacerbating financial distress and increasing gambling-related harm, such as mental health struggles and family tensions.

Advocates see mandatory pre-commitment cards as a crucial tool to mitigate the harmful effects of pokies. The system will allow players to set personal loss limits and track their spending, giving them more control over their gambling and helping to reduce the risks of addiction and financial hardship. 

Tasmania's Push for Mandatory Pre-Commitment Cards 

Tasmania is aiming to become the first state or territory in Australia to introduce mandatory pre-commitment cards for pokie machines. Under this system, players will need to preload funds onto a card and set daily, monthly, and yearly loss limits. The default limits are set at $100 per day, $500 per month, and $5,000 per year, though players with greater financial capacity can apply for higher limits. 

Rollout of Pokie Reform Delayed 

Initially set for a late 2024 launch, the rollout of the pre-commitment card system has been delayed by a year, with implementation now expected by the end of 2025. The delay is primarily due to technical challenges, particularly the integration of the banking infrastructure needed for the cashless system. Despite the setbacks, the Tasmanian government remains committed to these reforms, viewing them as essential in addressing the harm pokies inflict on communities. 

Public Consultation for Cashless Gaming System 

The Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission, responsible for developing the new system, recently released a public consultation paper, inviting feedback from the public. The Player Card and Cashless Gaming Public Consultation Paper offers Tasmanians a chance to shape how the system will be implemented, marking an important step toward reform. 

Calls for Interim Measures 

With the pre-commitment system’s rollout delayed, advocates and political leaders are calling for interim harm reduction measures to be introduced. Proposals include lowering the maximum bet from $5 to $1 and reducing the speed of pokie machine spins, both aimed at slowing down losses and reducing harm. Advocates argue that these simple changes could provide immediate relief to those affected by gambling.

However, the hospitality industry has raised concerns about the economic impact of these measures. Industry leaders, including the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA), argue that the pre-commitment system could restrict player freedom and negatively affect businesses that rely on pokies for revenue. The THA has also expressed frustration over what it sees as a lack of consultation during the planning and development of the new system. 

Tasmania’s Reforms: A New Direction for Pokie Regulation 

Tasmania’s introduction of mandatory pre-commitment cards could signal a turning point for pokie regulation, not just in the state but across Australia. If the system proves successful, it could inspire other states to adopt similar reforms. By prioritizing harm reduction, particularly in vulnerable communities, Tasmania is setting a powerful example of how gambling-related harm can be addressed.