The state government’s newly announced gaming machine policies have been labelled a sham by opposing MPs.
Treasurer Eric Abetz unveiled the measures last week, including mandatory facial recognition at gaming venues, extended closing hours and limits on ticket-in, ticket-out systems.
Greens Treasury spokesperson Vica Bayley said the announcement rang hollow.
“The Liberals made this announcement to pretend they care about pokies harm,” he said.
“But they don’t even care enough to do a good job of pretending.”
The policies replace the government’s shelved, nation-leading mandatory pre-commitment card, which would have capped gambling losses at $100 per day and $5,000 per year.
Independent MP Kristie Johnston said the government would revoke its 2022 ministerial directive to introduce the card system.
She said the reforms amounted to “an indecent deal” between the state government and the hospitality industry.
A Deloitte report released alongside the announcement found the original card system would have reduced the number of problem gamblers by up to 560 people, while delivering broader economic benefits.
But MPs warn some of the government’s alternative measures could make the situation worse.
Johnston said Premier Jeremy Rockliff appeared unsure about both the status of some of the required technology and when it would be ready.
“Some of their other measures have not yet even been invented,” she said.
“The technology has not been developed and the premier couldn’t tell me in our meeting today when it would land – if ever.”
Independent MP Helen Burnet said pokies policy should be treated as a health issue rather than a revenue stream.
“Treasury is responsible for revenue raising, not harm reduction,” she said.
“The gambling revenue from electronic gaming machines located in towns and suburbs across Tasmania is a cash cow the government doesn’t want to lose.”
Tasmanians lost nearly $18 million on poker machines in December 2025 alone, with losses concentrated in low socio-economic areas.
The government maintains its measures strike a balance between harm reduction and personal choice.
