The Tasmanian Government remains committed to implementing harm minimisation measures to reduce the harm caused by Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) while providing the opportunity for people to exercise their free choice.
A range of harm minimisation measures will be progressed to reduce the harm associated with EGMs while the Government defers progress on a mandatory pre-commitment card.
Minister for Community Services, Roger Jaensch, said the Government is pursuing a range of harm minimisation strategies in line with our election commitment.
“The Government will develop a broader harm minimisation package that may include facial recognition technology (FRT) and other emerging technologies which are now in use in other states and can improve harm reduction outcomes in Tasmania,” Minister Jaensch said.
“We are also investigating how the Tasmanian Gambling Exclusion Scheme can be reformed to support more Tasmanians who need help with their gambling behaviour.
“As part of this package, we will be increasing funding for wrap-around support services so that we can help those who need it. I’m committed to working with community service organisations to ensure the right supports are available.
“We are committed to helping all Tasmanians who have problems with gambling addiction, and by developing a suite of harm minimisation measures, we are confident we can target and assist this small number of Tasmanians.”
Minister for Small Business and Hospitality, Jane Howlett, committed to working with industry to develop a broader suite of harm minimisation measures.
“The Tasmanian Government has determined that implementing other harm minimisation measures is far more practicable, cost-effective for the Tasmanian taxpayer and guarantees that help will be available for those who need it far sooner,” Minister Howlett said.
“Tasmania has the lowest density of EGMs of any state, the lowest spend per capita on EGMs and the lowest prevalence of problem gambling with 0.4 per cent of our adult population having serious issues with gambling.
“However, we are firmly committed to supporting the Tasmanians that need our help.”
The Government made it clear at the recent election that a mandatory card-based gaming system for electronic gaming machines would be implemented as soon as reasonably practicable, and the Government will write to other states to outline how it will monitor the progress of such a system in other jurisdictions.
The Government understands the need to get the balance right between implementing effective harm minimisation measures and regulatory implications and understanding the complexities and costs associated with implementing a mandatory card-based system.
The move follows a report provided to the Government by MaxGaming, which revealed a likely significant cost increase and implementation delays and further outlined the complexity of the proposed card-based system, including the need to create a centralised banking system.
Treasurer, Guy Barnett, will oversee the regulatory component of gaming that sits within the Treasury Department to ensure the appropriate balance is achieved between community harm minimisation, regulation and industry.
“It is important we get the balance right on any EGM reforms,” the Treasurer said.
“I’m confident that with a constructive approach, we can collaborate across portfolios between our critically important community service organisations, industry, and the regulator.
“We made a commitment to Tasmanians to implement new poker machine harm reduction initiatives, and that’s exactly what we will do.”
