Tasmanian poker machine backflip 'a capitulation' - Gambling industry capture of State Government complete
Alliance for Gambling Reform
The decision by the Tasmanian Liberal Rockcliffe Government to backflip on becoming the first State to introduce a poker machine cashless card is an inexcusable capitulation to the power of the gambling lobby.
The Alliance’s Chief Advocate, Tim Costello, said he was shocked and devastated by the announcement by the Tasmanian Government to ‘defer progress’ on the cashless card system.
“To claim that there are technological challenges to implementing this system is complete spin and misdirection. Crown Casino in Melbourne has now implemented a cashless card – they have proven the lie to those who claim it cannot be done,” Rev. Tim Costello said.
“The government has effectively moved to protect the obscene super profits that are being made in Tasmania’s 90 poker machine venues – at the cost of the public of Tasmania who are being devastated by pokies losses.”
Rev. Costello said Tasmania had squandered the chance to lead the nation in poker machine reform.
Australians lose over $32 billion each year to gambling, the highest per capita spend in the world and most losses still come from poker machines.
Tim Costello is available for interview on 0411 633 446
About us:
The Alliance is a national advocacy organisation which works to prevent and minimise the harm from gambling. Our aim is to remove the shame that surrounds gambling addiction, have the problem treated as a public health issue, and achieve the legislative changes needed to protect our communities. We bring together well over 60 organisations who share the objectives of preventing harm from gambling.
Contact details:
media@agr.org.au – 07 3180 0630