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Social and Economic Impact Studies
 
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Social and economic impact studies into gambling in Tasmania

The Gaming Control Act 1993 requires that an independent review of the social and economic impact of gambling in Tasmania is conducted every three years.

First impact study – released July 2008

The first study was commissioned by the Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance and was prepared by the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies. It is available in two volumes:


The Tasmanian Gaming Commission's report to the former Treasurer, Hon Michael Aird MLC on the ‘Social and Economic Impact Study into Gambling in Tasmania’ was released in late 2008.

Tasmanian Gaming Commission's report on the Social and Economic Impact Study into Gambling in Tasmania

Second impact study - commenced December 2010

The tender to conduct the second impact study has been awarded to the Allen Consulting Group. Allen Consulting will collaborate with external experts from the Problem Gambling Research and Treatment Centre (a joint venture of Monash University and the University of Melbourne), and the Social Research Centre.

The Terms of Reference for the study is available from the following link: Second SEIS Terms of Reference

The scope and objectives of the updated study are to:
  • analyse the key trends in the Tasmanian gambling industry, including any changes in gambling behaviour and revenues since 2008;
  • pay particular attention to localised impacts of gambling at the local government area (LGA) level, with consideration to both the social and economic impacts of gambling of eight selected Tasmanian LGAs;
  • consider the effectiveness of the gambling harm minimisation measures implemented by the Tasmanian government following the release of the 2008 report; and
  • develop a framework for future evaluation.

The component of the study relating to the assessment of sentencing options for gambling related crime and improving data collection in courts and prisons will be undertaken as a separate project and this project has also been awarded to the Allen Consulting Group. Allen Consulting have partnered with specialist criminologist and problem gambling treatment expertise from the University of Melbourne and Problem Gambling Research and Treatment Centre to carry out this study.

Proposed timeline for carrying out the second impact study

Both components of the study will be completed by late 2011. The table below shows key milestones for carrying out the study.

EventDate
Telephone surveys of the general Tasmanian public2-28 February 2011
Consult with stakeholders and focus groupsLate March – early May 2011
Conduct observations at venuesLate March – early May 2011
Submissions sought from the public to inform the study30 April - 31 May 2011
Consultants to submit draft report to TreasurySeptember 2011
Draft Report to undergo an independent peer reviewSeptember 2011
Consultants to submit final Report to TreasuryOctober 2011

Written submissions to the second impact study

The submission period for the public to inform the second Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania closed on 31 May 2011. Submissions can be found here.

The discussion paper the consultants provided to assist participants to prepare submissions can be found here.

Further information on the second Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania is available by contacting Mr Damien Febey, Department of Treasury and Finance, 21 Murray Street, Hobart 7000, phone (03) 6233 2094 or email gambling.study@treasury.tas.gov.au .
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