Popular poker league shut down by Tasmanian Liqour and Gaming Commission

Tasmanian poker players have been left disappointed after a popular league was forced to fold. But according to authorities, not everything was above board.

West Point Casino opening after renovations in 2021. Picture : Mireille Merlet

A popular poker league that holds events in venues around the state has been closed down by the Tasmanian Liqour and Gaming Commission.

The Australian Poker League organises poker games nationwide — but its operations at venues including Wrest Point Casino and pubs and clubs around Tasmania were suspended on Thursday.

The league posted a message on its Facebook page saying it was a temporary pause.

“Over the past few months APL Tasmania has been in communication with the Tasmanian Liquor & Gaming Commission (TLGC).

“The TLGC today advised that they hold the view that we must change our current format. “While we will be back soon we need time to assess any response we may have and what this means for poker in Tasmania.

“We anticipate a short pause to proceedings while we take stock and look forward to returning soon.”

Treasurer, Michael Ferguson said that the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission has given poker tournament operators advice about how tournaments can be lawfully conducted, to enable them to continue to operate.

“As a result of receiving a complaint, the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission recently conducted a review into the operation of poker in Tasmania and its lawful conduct under the Gaming Control Act 1993,” he said.

Minister Michael Ferguson. TasPorts. GBE hearings. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“In hotels and clubs, poker games or tournaments involving prizes can legally be operated providing that no fee or cost to participate is charged to play, and no money or anything of value is wagered by players.

“Under the Act, only a licensed casino operator can run a poker game or tournament that involves wagering of money or charging an entry fee.

“The Commission’s review identified that some current practices may not be compliant with the Gaming Control Act.

“The Commission considered that a cost of entry was effectively being charged in some instances.”
Regular player Toby Meredith said the decision was disappointing.

“Pub poker has been going in Tasmania in this format for about 12 years,” he said.

“There’s probably 20 or 30 people who have lost their jobs.

He said the games were low stakes but an enjoyable social outlet for players.

“It’s nowhere near what the poker machines have,” he said.

“What the government should be pressured into doing is to allow a private operator to run legal games.”