Arabic version: اللجنة تقول إن قواعد ماكينات القمار الجديدة ستزيد الضرر
Tasmania’s Liquor and Gaming Commission has warned the state government’s new poker machine measures will “take Tasmania backwards” on harm reduction and could make things worse for people with gambling problems. The regulator said it was not consulted before the policies went to cabinet and has raised formal objections in letters to Treasurer Eric Abetz.
According to ABC News, the commission’s joint letter of March 31 said, “The commission had not been consulted in any way concerning these measures,” and warned that many of the proposals “will have the opposite effect, and take Tasmania backwards from where it currently is.” The measures include allowing ATMs in gaming venues, a ticket-in ticket-out (TITO) system, and facial recognition to identify people on self-exclusion lists.
The regulators singled out the planned ATMs and TITO system for particular concern. Under the changes, pubs and clubs could install ATMs with a $400 withdrawal limit, fitted with facial recognition technology; currently up to $200 cash can be withdrawn via EFTPOS. The TITO policy was announced as requiring players to convert cash into machine tickets — initially $100 per ticket, later up to $200 — with no overall limit on tickets. The commission wrote, “We see this initiative as potentially creating greater harm rather than minimising or preventing it,” and noted evidence that “tap and go” and TITO systems can result in an increased “spending effect” of up to 20 per cent.
Pokies losses in Tasmania have been rising: players lost more than $17.7 million in May, and losses have consistently increased since the end of COVID. Venues were given ownership of their own poker machine licences from July 2023 when the government ended Federal Group’s monopoly model, and Treasury data showed increased venue profits after that change. The ABC report notes concerns that easier access to cash and faster machine play could increase spending and harm.
Treasurer Eric Abetz met with the commission two days after the letter and wrote back on April 17 defending the measures, describing them as proportional and urging they be viewed “as a whole.” He also said the TITO system “does not increase a player’s total available funds” and argued ATMs would assist with facial recognition and enforce limits. The commission has been directed to progressively implement the new policies by mid-2028, and the rollout will be phased in under that timetable while the commission’s criticisms remain on record.
Related sections: Australia/استراليا | Tasmania | General | Social/إجتماعية
