More calls for pokies reform as government ponders card-based play

A coalition of civil society groups is urging the state government to stay the course when it comes to poker machine reforms, saying a voluntary card would be useless.

Baptist Minister Tim Costello from the Alliance for Gambling Reform and supporters on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

A coalition of civil society groups has appealed to the government to stick to its plan for poker machine reforms.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform and others including the Uniting Church, Anglicare Tasmania, Relationships Australia and TasCOSS have written a letter to state MPs saying mandatory card-based play for poker machines would save lives.

The plan — which included default loss limits to prevent problem gambling — is opposed by the gambling industry.

Alliance chief advocate Tim Costello said the government needed to stand up.

“Tasmania was to be the first state actually delivering this historic reform but it’s up against powerful vested interests,” he said.

“Of 377 alcohol licensees in Tasmania, only 90 have pokies. Those 90 pubs with pokies already have super profits — they got individual licenses, their profits are up 40 to 60 per cent.

“I think the Premier, clearly, is under pressure from these powerful vested interests.

“The public deserves to be protected, and all the evidence shows this cashless card, and it has to be mandatory.

“A voluntary card is as useless as voluntary brakes in a car, or voluntary seat belts.”

The open letter has been sent to all members of the Tasmanian Parliament.

“We are writing to urge you to stay the course on introducing a mandatory poker machine card with preset loss limits as recommended by the independent Gaming Commission, backed by research and championed since 2022 by then Treasurer Michael Ferguson,” it says.

“Tasmania’s progress on introducing a statewide card-based system for poker machines is nation-leading.

“It is recognised as a measure that will save lives.

“The mandatory card will be effective in reducing harm and preventing addiction and would set a new standard in evidence-based consumer protection.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he welcomed the input.

“Look, can I just say we’re looking at still reforming,” he said.

“We’re committed to reform, and we’re also committed to consulting with the community as we should.”

MLC Meg Webb speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Anti-pokies MLC Meg Webb called on MPs to heed the letter and back reform.

“We know that the vested interests of the pokies industry have got the ear of both major parties behind the scenes and hold a lot of sway.

“It’s important for every MP who’s received this letter today to see that the Tasmanian community and key leaders from that community want this card implemented.

“We need to see MPs step up, listen to the voices of community and make decisions that are right for Tasmanians, not just for vested interests.”

Originally published as More calls for pokies reform as government ponders card-based play