Mona founder David Walsh to be offered high roller casino licence

Mona owner David Walsh will be handed a licence to open a “high roller” casino — but cashed-up Tasmanians will not be welcome.

MONA founder David Walsh will be handed a licence to open a high roller casino for exclusive interstate and overseas gamblers, as part of a Tasmanian Government policy to “facilitate a sustainable gaming industry”.

The Government’s Future Gaming in Tasmania Public Consultation Paper, released yesterday, outlines plans for two “high-roller, nonresident” casinos — one at Mona at Berriedale and another in the North.

Neither casino would be allowed to operate poker machines.

The paper caps poker machine numbers statewide at 2350 machines, with current caps of 30 for a hotel and 40 for a club remaining.

Mona owner and professional gambler David Walsh. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Clark MP and anti-pokies campaigner Andrew Wilkie said the policy was “legalised corruption” and a “big fat pay-cheque to the poker machine industry”.

“Subject to consultation on licence fees, tax rates and term – up to 20 years – one licence will be offered to David Walsh at MONA and a second licence will be made available in the state’s North or North West,” the document reads.

“In the first instance, the licence for the south will be offered to MONA in line with its 2015 proposal and subject to meeting all necessary probity and financial licence requirements.”

Artist’s impression from December 2015 of the proposed new casino to be built by Mona owner David Walsh on the banks of the River Derwent in Hobart.

The high roller casino licence to be offered in the state’s North is subject to a cost-benefit analysis demonstrating it is in Tasmania’s best interest and the proponent meeting the necessary licence requirements in addition to consultation on returns.

The plan would also end Federal Group’s gaming monopoly from 2023 to allow venues to license their own poker machines.

MONA EFFECT FORGES PATH TO LONGEVITY

The policy shows Federal Group would keep its rights as Tasmania’s keno operator.

Finance Minister Michael Ferguson said the policy ensured returns from gaming would be shared appropriately between the industry and the Government.

“The proposed legislation will end the monopoly, and see the Government go to market for a Licensed Monitoring Operator to provide network monitoring services for hotels and clubs,” Mr Ferguson said.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie. Picture: KYM SMITH

But Mr Wilkie said the paper showed the State Government only cared about “lining the pockets of its rich poker machine mates” and showed nothing about poker machine harm and gambling addiction.

“Nowhere is there any mention of consumer protection measures like slower spins, $1 maximum bets, tougher fines for venues and the removal of addictive features from poker machines,” he said.

DAVID WALSH ON THE SUCCESS OF MONA

“This is all the proof the community needs that these changes are nothing more than a big fat pay-cheque to the poker machine industry.

“I call again on Tasmanian State Politicians to grow a backbone, look out for the tens of thousands of Tasmanians affected by gambling addiction and put an end to these changes that are nothing more than legalised corruption.”

The consultation paper will be available on Treasury’s Liquor and Gaming website.