Poker machine mandatory pre-commitment card

We, the undersigned residents of Tasmania, draw to the House's attention that:

    1) The irreparable harm to our communities and individuals caused by poker machines is well documented, including increased mental ill-health, suicide, job loss, bankruptcy and crime;

    2) Evidence shows introducing the mandatory pre-commitment cards for poker machines with default daily, monthly and annual loss limits as proposed by the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission would reduce gambling harm;

    3) The card would continue to:

        a) allow recreational gambling;

        b) support jobs created by recreational gambling;

    4) In September 2022, then Finance Minister and Treasurer Michael Ferguson announced the Government would introduce such mandatory precommitment cards and the Government went to the 2024 State Election with this committment;

    5) The Government has said venues will have higher profits even with a card-based system due to license changes introduced in 2021.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House call on the Government to:

    1) Ensure that in 2025 the mandatory Player Card is introduced as proposed by the Gaming Commission and agreed by the Government in 2022.

    2) Ensure any debate:

       a) is fully informed of increased pub and club profits being taken from the community and individuals since 2021;

       b) includes the costs to the community, individuals and Government of not introducing the card.