The Treasurer directed the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission in 2021 to investigate the extent to which facial recognition technology and player card gaming for electronic gaming machines in casinos, hotels and clubs could minimise gambling harm, and provide a report on the outcome of the investigations and recommendations as to the most effective method of implementing these technologies in casinos, hotels and clubs (see Ministerial Direction 1/2021).
Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission Report
Following the Direction, the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission conducted a robust investigation that included targeted and public consultation, a review of national and international research and an independent feasibility study.
The supporting materials for the investigation, including all submissions received from the public consultation undertaken by the Commission can be accessed here.
The Commission's report was released 15 September 2022:
The Government provided a response to the Commission's report:
At the time the Government's response to the Commission's report was released, the Treasurer directed the Commission to implement a player card gaming system with pre‑commitment and cashless gaming (see Ministerial Direction 1/2022).
Industry consultation
In December 2023, key industry stakeholders were provided with a preliminary consultation paper providing information about the design and function of the system, focussing on how venues and patrons will be impacted, including the practical impact of the policy on gaming machine play. This consultation was targeted with industry stakeholders and therefore noted to be confidential, because of its focus. The project has now moved to the next stage and this paper is now available here:
Preliminary consultation with industry - Player Card and Cashless Gaming
Public consultation
Broader public consultation was undertaken to assist the Commission by providing views on the player experience and operational requirements for the system. The Player Card and Cashless Gaming Consultation Paper was released on Monday 9 September 2024. The consultation period was open for six weeks, and submissions closed on 18 October 2024.
Player Card and Cashless Gaming Public Consultation Paper
Submissions from stakeholders
Survey responses were received from 25 parties and copies of these responses are available at the links below.