Government’s gambling harm measures will fall short
June 29, 2026
Tasmanians continue to be affected by gambling harm.
When we think of gambling-related harm, what comes to mind is the behaviour that is most often measured and reported, for example gambling leading to crises such as bankruptcy, job loss, homelessness or divorce. There is also significant indirect harm that is harder to measure occurring in communities. Families and children may not have a choice in the indirect effects of gambling they experience.
Children in a household impacted by gambling harms are more likely to experience financial and emotional deprivation, family conflict, parental neglect, and family violence.
Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) are the most harmful form of gambling in Tasmania. Current policies, relying on messages like ‘gamble responsibly’ and the Tasmanian Gambling Self Exclusion Scheme do not adequately prevent harm.
Research by Anglicare has shown they are ineffective because people using EGMs are unlikely to self-identify the risk of harm to themselves and others before it occurs, are unlikely to seek help even if they want to and may not be capable of reducing harm if they experience a loss of control.
However, government intervention is required to address gambling harm in the community.
The Tasmanian Government is proposing ‘harm minimisation measures’ in relation to gambling from EGMs for implementation by 2028. These include mandated Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) for venues that are operating EGMs, and consideration of enhancing the Self Exclusion Scheme.
Other measures include mandatory venue closure periods of 7 continuous hours within each 24-hour period and permitting FRT-equipped ATM or EFTPOS cash-withdrawal devices in venues, with limits on the amount the patron can withdraw during the trading period, as well as ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) with limits on the amount that can be loaded onto EGMs via TITO or cash.
These measures will fall far short of meaningfully reducing harm.
Anglicare Tasmania data shows that 98% of people using EGMs who are at risk of gambling harm are not engaging with Gamblers Help or enrolling in the self-exclusion program. FRT could only have a positive impact in cases where, without FRT, a person attempts to breach their exclusion and is able to do so as a result of staff failing to recognise the excluded person. Given the limited number of people who self-exclude, the scope for harm reduction is very limited.
Introducing a mandatory pre-commitment card with default loss limits would be the gold standard of policy reform that would reduce harm.
The Government’s decision to defer implementation of a pre-commitment card and allocate public expenditure to alternatives that are not effective requires justification.
The pre-commitment card would give EGM users greater control and ability to make informed choices by providing information including account statements and tracking of their gambling activity and allowing users to set a limit on their gambling without having to self-exclude. It would ensure EGM users have the financial capacity to participate and can spend what they intend to spend. The card would enable significant harm to be reduced with minimal impact on people who engage in ‘recreational’ gambling.
It is time for the Tasmanian Government to deliver real harm minimisation to support the people who most need it.
Dr Chris Jones, CEO, Anglicare Tasmania.
This article was published in the Talking Point section of The Mercury newspaper on 25 June.
Gamblers Help at Anglicare Tasmania can be contacted on 1800 243 232.
