Tasmanian government cops backlash over cashless gaming delay

The Tasmanian government has indefinitely delayed the rollout of its mandatory cashless pokies card, a measure initially slated for implementation by the end of 2023.

The decision comes as the state seeks to collaborate with other jurisdictions on a unified approach to gambling reform.

The cashless card system, recommended in 2022 by Tasmania’s gaming and liquor regulator, aimed to cap player losses at $100 daily or $5,000 annually.

Earlier this year, however, the government announced the system would not be operational until late 2025, citing the challenges of establishing the necessary infrastructure.

A recent report from gaming operator MaxGaming highlighted escalating costs and further delays, primarily linked to the development of a centralised banking system, intensifying doubts about the card’s feasibility.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff addressed the issue during parliamentary question time on Tuesday.

“I’ll be writing to other premiers around our reform process, and given we’re a small state, a practical way forward is to work with other states on a pre-commitment solution,” he said.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents and gambling reform advocates.

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff accused the government of failing to protect vulnerable Tasmanians.

“Premier, this will be your legacy, a plan for perpetual pokies harm, a plan for profits over people,” she said.

“You’ve let the pokies lobby win again. It’s shameful.”

Federal MP Andrew Wilkie, a prominent critic of poker machines, also condemned the decision.

“The Tasmanian government is the most incompetent, cold-hearted and self-serving administration in Australia,” he said.

Independent MP Kristie Johnston highlighted the influence of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) on government policy, noting that tax cuts for pokies operators had bolstered industry profits ahead of the card’s planned implementation.

Despite mounting backlash, Premier Rockliff maintained the government’s commitment to the cashless card and hinted at exploring additional measures such as facial recognition technology to tackle gambling-related harm.