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While Tasmania is moving closer to launching a cashless gaming card system, the casino industry is still in an unknown area, with potentially many changes ahead. First proposed in 2022, it was the first initiative to fight excessive gambling by setting default spending limits for the players, $100 per day and $5,000 in annual loss, with the possibility to apply for an increase. The reform is now expected to be implemented by the end of 2025.

Tasmanian Hospitality Association, along with the Australian Hotels Association, didn’t take any time to oppose such a policy based on possible implications for the tourism and hospitality sectors in the state. Instead, they support other alternative options, like facial recognition technology, since it would better help the authorities to identify the problem gamblers without placing restrictions on the recreational players.

With such strict regulations, the players have to find some flexible ways to enjoy their favorite pokies without any issues. For example, the best real money pokies online offer bigger bonuses, faster payouts, and solid security, with legal gaming. Players can have fun playing their favourite games with updates being carried out regularly, including adding new games.

Who knows what is going to happen if the Tasmanian government refuses to adjust. Certainly, in parliament, it was exposed that they had obtained a briefing with the State Growth Department on how the cashless gaming cards would affect Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sectors. To boost the speculation, there is even the consulting firm Deloitte working on a report about the implications, which will be made public.

Some crossbenchers became even more suspicious of this and speculated about the possible options that the government was keeping in its sights after Premier Jeremy Rockliff held one-on-one meetings with the Tasmanian Hospitality Association. However, the Premier, who also serves as the state’s Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, clarified that it is not unusual for a minister to consult with industry leaders as part of their role.

Premier’s office had to issue a statement, saying, ‘There has been no change to the policy position,’ prompting the government to confirm that supporters were still aligned with the original details of the reform. Despite these reassurances, some still feel the government might be willing to compromise.

Meanwhile, the main man behind the cashless gaming card, Michael Ferguson, went to the backbench. This removed the key supporter of the policy from the cabinet. His resignation has led some to question whether the government has the political will to see the reform through to its conclusion, particularly since powerful industry groups such as the THA and AHA strongly oppose it.

Regardless of the outcome, the casino industry will have to adapt, and players will always find a way to play through new rules or new technology.

 

 

 

 

 

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