The Tasmanian public is being asked to provide feedback on a cashless gaming system, in a bid to address problem gambling in the state.
From late next year, all gamblers using an electronic gaming machine (EGM), or poker machine, in Tasmania will need to register to play.
That means for the first time, players will be able to track their spend on gaming machines; an important step, advocates say, for minimising the harm to Tasmanians and their families that can result from problem gambling.
The new system will see players issued a single card, with pre-set limits on a maximum loss amount, time played, and mandatory breaks.
It is being designed by an independent regulatory body, the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission.
On Monday, the Commission released a public consultation paper, the Player Card and Cashless Gaming Public Consultation Paper, for Tasmanians to have their say.
What is ‘cashless’ gaming?
From December 2025, cash and coins will no longer be inserted into EGMs at hotels, clubs and casinos across Tasmania.
Instead, a single card system will be used statewide that will recognise a player regardless of where they choose to play.
Since 2022, the Tasmanian government has been moving towards the introduction of a mandatory account-based cashless card system for poker machines, and the system already operates at the two Tasmanian casinos.
It won’t affect who can play pokies, but default pre-commitment limits will be in place for each player before gambling begins.
Once registered, the player is issued with a card, creates a PIN, then transfers money onto the card using cash or EFTPOS.
Player accounts and information will be protected by the PIN, and only a player will have access to their information.
Players must use their own name and cannot be anonymous.
What type of limits will there be?
There will be three types of limits: a maximum loss amount, the maximum amount of time a player wants to play, with mandatory breaks in game play.
Once the limit is reached, the system will display a message to the player, disable play and the venue will be alerted.
Players will also receive a message when they are approaching a loss limit.
Initially, players will be set up with default loss limits of $100 per day, $500 per month and $5,000 per year, but a higher limit may be set if the player chooses.
The proposal states it is “likely that there will be a delay required before loss limits can be increased (potentially at least 24 hours).
“This delay may be required for practical reasons to allow time to action the system change and as a cooling-off period for the player.”
Players will be able to alter gaming limits, either in venue or online via the player portal, and loss limits will take effect immediately.
If a player has played EGMs for two continuous hours a mandatory break will be required. A message will be displayed to the player and their player card will be suspended from enabling play for the next 10 minutes.
A registered player card will soon be needed for use on all gaming machines across Tasmania. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
Who needs to register, and how?
Anyone wanting to play an EGM in Tasmania will need to register.
Players can pre-register online through a web-based player portal or attend a venue, where staff can set up a player account after sighting sufficient identification.
It’s one card per person, and before registration is activated, the Tasmanian Gambling Exclusion Scheme database is checked.
Both registered and unregistered cards can be used to play casino EGMs, but only registered cards can be linked to a casinos’ loyalty programs.
The Federal Group own and operate Tasmania’s two casinos, including Wrest Point in Hobart (pictured). (ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Tell me more about player cards
Like the membership cards that are used in Tasmanian casinos, the player card for pre-commitment gambling will likely be a magnetic stripe card, like a bank credit or debit card, that can identify a user’s account.
On issue, a player sets up a personal identification number (PIN) to enable play.
No data other than a unique identifier is stored on the card itself, and only a player will have access to their information.
What is the online player portal?
Think of this like a banking app.
The web-based player portal will allow players to access their account information online. The portal will be accessible through a PC, tablet or smartphone.
Players using the player portal will be able to re-register for a playing card, view their activity statement, check and change limits, reset their PIN, update personal details, and check account balances and transactions.
The online player portal will be optional, and players will be able to do all the listed functions in person at a venue as well.
Can I increase my loss limit?
The default limits can be increased by players via a request within the venue or using the online player portal.
Players can choose to use the default loss limits or request higher limits, but are capped at $5,000 total losses per year with “different processes for increasing limits depending upon the extent of the increase”, the paper explains.
It’s still to be determined, but a delay of potentially at least 24 hours will be required before loss limits can be increased. This delay may be required to allow time to action the system change and as a cooling-off period for the player.
Higher loss limits will require review every 12 months.
Under the new system, higher betting limits may be set following a player’s consideration of their capacity to spend more. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
Will I still get a payout?
Yes, and no. Poker machines will no longer pay out in coins.
Instead, credits will transfer from the EGM to the player’s account.
Funds collected will be paid by the venue in cash (for small wins) or by way of direct bank transfer (for larger wins).
Public consultation will close next month. (ABC News)
When is this happening?
The roll-out of the new system will take place in two phases: One for hotels and clubs, and the second for casinos.
December 2025 is the expected date for the implementation of the first phase, for hotels and clubs.
The second phase will focus on integrating the new card-based gambling system with existing casino systems. No date has been set for this.
For now, the Commission is seeking feedback on the proposed operational requirements of the system and the player experience.
The paper is available on the Liquor and Gaming website, with public consultation closing on October 18, 2024.
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