25-06-2025
Tasmania won't proceed with cashless pokies card without 'national approach', premier says
Mandatory pre-commitment cards for poker machine players won't be introduced in Tasmania unless other states and territories agree to a national approach on the issue, Premier Jeremy Rockliff says.
The Liberal government first announced plans for the "nation-leading" harm-minimisation measure in 2022.
The cashless cards would have capped losses at $100 per day or $5,000 per year.
The scheme was originally expected to be implemented by the end of 2024.
But in February last year, the government revealed it would not be in place until the end of 2025.
Then, in November last year, Mr Rockliff announced an indefinite pause, citing the complexity and cost of putting the scheme into place.
Mr Rockliff, who is facing an election next month, has now gone further, saying the policy will not be implemented unless other jurisdictions support an Australia-wide scheme.
"In the meantime, we recognise the importance of continuing with harm minimisation, such as third-party exclusion, such as facial technology."
Victoria recently delayed the rollout of its own version of a pre-commitment card scheme, while New South Wales is still considering the best way to implement a cashless system.
Mr Rockliff said it would be "very sensible" for all jurisdictions to work together.
"We are keeping a close eye on other states, but what will be most effective is a national approach in a policy sense, and implementation sense in this issue."
Labor leader Dean Winter, who is hoping to become premier after the July 19 election, said his party would be taking a similar approach.
"We'll look at what happens in other states and territories, but we won't be going first," Mr Winter said.
The decision not to forge ahead with the policy has been criticised by advocates of the cashless card system.
"It's disappointing to hear the premier saying that they'll sit back and wait to see what other states do on a cashless gaming card," Greens candidate for Bass, Cecily Rosol, said.
"We are missing the chance to help people now and to provide support and to address the problem of gambling in Tasmania.
"Tasmania had the opportunity to be nation-leading with this card and we've thrown that opportunity away."
Independent candidate for Clark, Kristie Johnston, said the poker machine industry was being prioritised ahead of people impacted by gambling addiction.
She urged both major parties to reverse their current stance and introduce mandatory pre-commitment cards during the first 12 months of the next government.
