Social poker tournaments in Tasmania have been given a new lease on life under changes to regulations introduced by the state government.
The updated rules, effective from today, allow “genuine” social poker games within a tournament structure on a licensed premises, Finance Minister Nic Street said.
“… We committed to ensuring Tasmanians can return to play social poker tournaments, without wagering and with low entry fees,” he said.
“This will allow small-scale tournaments to operate subject to specified conditions, ensuring Tasmanians can continue to enjoy a game of social poker in their local pub, without further regulatory oversight.”
New rules include a capped $250 entry fee with no additional charges during the tournament, equal re-entry fees and an equal distribution of poker chips.
The rules state the chips have no monetary value and are instead used solely to determine winners.
Information on the game must be clear to all participants and prizes need to include at least 70% of total entry fees.
“It is important that appropriate conditions are in place to enable Tasmanians to participate in this genuine social activity, while also ensuring tournaments are conducted responsibly,” Street said.
Shadow Finance spokesperson Luke Edmunds said social poker should not have been banned as it was “never dangerous” and simply “socialising and having fun”.
“The Liberals should apologise to the operators and players at Bullets Poker, Tasmanian Poker League and Australian Poker League following months of turmoil, social isolation and loss of income before today’s backflip,” he said.
The changes exempt social poker from the Gaming Control Act and require operators to undergo responsible gambling training.
The updated regulations will be reviewed by the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission within 18 months.
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