What happened?
On the weekend of 28 and 29 March 2025, the Tasmanian Gambling Exclusion Scheme database was subjected to a data breach.
The database includes personal information about excluded persons and their exclusion history (where relevant).
What is the Tasmanian Gambling Exclusion Scheme (TGES)?
The TGES contains a list of individuals who have been excluded from gambling in Tasmanian venues.
It is used by gambling counsellors, gambling venues and the gambling regulator to record details of excluded people and their exclusion history (where relevant).
What information was accessed?
During the data breach, some personal information relating to individuals excluded from gambling was viewed by an unknown person.
What has happened since the data breach was detected?
The system was immediately secured and access was limited.
We engaged experts to undertake detailed investigations to fully understand the scope of the data breach.
We also engaged experts to help us support individuals who have been impacted by the data breach and this remains our focus.
How will the breach affect the operation of the TGES?
The exclusion scheme will continue to operate as usual. People who are excluded cannot take part in gaming activities as stated in their exclusion order.
Venues maintain a list of excluded persons and can continue to undertake Responsible Conduct of Gaming and identify and support excluded persons.
How will I know if I have had my data breached?
People who have had their information accessed are being contacted by the Department of Treasury and Finance using the contact details we have recorded.
Why has it taken until now to notify people?
We had to undertake a forensic investigation of the data breach. This was a complex and time-consuming process.
It is important that people are given the correct information about what data may have been accessed. We want to ensure every affected individual is notified completely and correctly. Some of the data accessed may be sensitive and giving incorrect information to people may cause further harm and inconvenience.
We have taken time to put in place support measures for affected people.
In addition to notifying individuals who are affected by the data breach, we want to make sure that people who are not affected do not take unnecessary action or action which can be inconvenient and challenging to reverse.
What support can I get if my data has been accessed?
The Government has engaged IDCARE, Australia's national identity and cyber support community service.
IDCARE has expert Case Managers who can work with people to address concerns in relation to personal information risks and any instances where there is a concern that information may have been misused.
IDCARE's services are free to individuals who access the service.
What else can I do?
Be aware that scammers might try to take advantage of this situation. They could pretend to be from the Tasmanian Government, Liquor and Gaming Branch, gambling venues, Anglicare, or other gambling support providers.
Stay alert for fake emails, letters, phone calls, and SMS messages.
Here are some steps to stay safe online:
- Change your passwords for online services such as banking, especially if you use the same password for multiple accounts.
- Update your secret questions and answers to avoid using the same ones for multiple accounts.
- Ensure your email account has a strong, unique password. Change it if necessary.
- Enable multi-factor authentication on digital services where possible. e.g. get a code sent to your phone before logging in).
- Install and update anti-virus software on all your devices.
- Apply recommended software updates on all devices that you use.
- Avoid opening messages or clicking links from unknown senders or unexpected messages.
What gambling support services are available?
If this matter causes you distress in relation to gambling, you can access the Gamblers Helpline by calling 1800 858 858 or visiting Gambling Help Online at https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/.
Anglicare Tasmania also offer gambling support services which can be accessed by calling 1800 243 232 or by visiting https://www.anglicare-tas.org.au/gamblers-help-services/.
Further information
If people have any concerns or further questions, they can contact the Liquor and Gaming Branch on 03 6166 4040 (select option 3) or email TGESdatabreach@treasury.tas.gov.au.