New Treasury data shows Tasmanians lost over $18 million to poker machines in July – the worst monthly loss to pokies in a year. This trend is likely to continue, with the Liberal’s new anti-evidence pokies policy set to take Tasmania backwards.
$18.1 million was recorded in losses to poker machines last month. Only once has a worse loss been recorded since August 2020. In July last year, $18.4 million was lost to predatory poker machines.
Poker machines are designed to win and gambling addiction remains an incessant problem for Tasmanians. Millions of dollars that could be spent elsewhere are being taken from Tasmanians’ pockets every month.
Pokies losses go beyond the financial stress. It takes a great toll on Tasmanians and their families, leading to negative mental and physical health impacts, domestic violence and crime.
The Liberals betrayed problem gamblers by breaking a promise to implement card-based play which would reduce gambling harm, boost the economy and create jobs. The Government’s own Liquor and Gaming Commission have said the Liberal Government’s new policies will “take Tasmania backwards”.
Premier Rockliff promised to lead a government with heart but on pokies he’s being driven by vested interests on the industry. This government needs to start putting vulnerable Tasmanians above the profits of poker machine owners.
