Tasmanian government delays cashless pokies card scheme

The Tasmanian government has announced an indefinite delay in implementing its proposed mandatory cashless pokies card, initially set to roll out by the end of 2023.

This decision follows the government’s desire to collaborate with other states on a comprehensive pre-commitment solution aimed at reducing gambling harm.

Originally introduced as part of a 2022 recommendation from the state’s gaming and liquor regulator, the cashless card system was designed to limit player losses to a maximum of $100 daily or $5,000 annually.

However, in February, the government revealed that the system would not be ready until late 2025, citing the complexity of its design.

Recent speculation about the program’s future culminated in the latest announcement, which was linked to a report from gaming operator MaxGaming.

The report indicated a significant increase in costs and further implementation delays, primarily due to the necessity of establishing a centralised banking system.

During question time in parliament on Tuesday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff stated that a collaborative approach with other states seemed the most practical way forward.

“I’ll be writing to other premiers around our reform process, and given we’re a small state, a practical way forward is to work with other states on a pre-commitment solution,” he said.

“But there are many other ways that we can support people in Tasmania, vulnerable Tasmanians with gambling addiction.

“We can start rolling out other areas of harm minimisation and work with the community sector on that.”

The announcement drew sharp criticism from political opponents.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff accused the government of dishonesty and failure to protect the community from gambling harm.

“The Jeremy Rockliff pokies scheme will entrench disadvantage and poverty among vulnerable Tasmanians,” she said.

“It will ruin families and their futures.

“You might not want to hear it, but it’s no exaggeration to say it will cost lives.

“Premier, this will be your legacy, a plan for perpetual pokies harm, a plan for profits over people.

“You’ve let the pokies lobby win again. It’s shameful.”

Federal MP Andrew Wilkie, a longstanding critic of poker machines, lambasted the government for its failure to prioritise public welfare over industry profits.

“The Tasmanian government is the most incompetent, cold-hearted and self-serving administration in Australia,” he said.

Independent MP Kristie Johnston said the decision reflected the influence of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) on government policy.

Johnston pointed out that the THA had secured tax cuts for pokies revenue prior to the card’s proposed implementation, resulting in substantial profit increases for gaming operators

Despite the setback, Premier Rockliff insisted the government remains committed to implementing the cashless card “as soon as practicable” while also exploring other harm minimisation measures, including facial recognition technology for gamblers.

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