Changes to minor gaming - effective 4 September 2024

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission has undertaken a review of the regulatory framework for charitable and social gaming.  The review included:

  • authorised games, for which a minor gaming permit must be obtained; and
  • exempt games which can be conducted without a permit.

The aim of the review was to ensure that minor gaming:

  • facilitates appropriate charitable fundraising and social activity;
  • is accessible and easy to understand;
  • is streamlined and does not create unnecessary administrative burden; and
  • maintains a high standard of regulatory oversight. 

The following is a summary of the minor gaming regime, effective from 4 September 2024.

Authorised games for which a minor gaming permit is required

A minor gaming permit is required for the following games. In addition to complying with the permit, each authorised game has rules which must be followed. New rules will apply to these games.

Raffles

You will need a permit to conduct a raffle only when the total prize value exceeds $10,000.  This is an increase from $5,000, to allow more raffles to be conducted without a permit, subject to conditions. 

Bingo

You will continue to need a permit to conduct bingo. However, a new exemption for very low-value games of bingo (or “pingo") which can be conducted without a permit, is being introduced.

Lucky envelopes

You will continue to need a permit to conduct the game of lucky envelopes. There are new requirements to display information and to keep records which will apply. 

Exempt games for which a permit is not required

Exempt games do not require a minor gaming permit, however conditions apply to ensure the game is conducted lawfully. New conditions will apply to each game.

You will no longer need a permit to conduct a Calcutta sweepstakes. The game will be an exempt game under the changes coming into effect. 

The following games will continue to be exempt games:

  • tipping, subject to certain monetary limits;
  • sweepstakes, subject to certain monetary limits;
  • ANZAC Day Two Up; and
  • raffles with a total prize value not exceeding $10,000 (increase from $5,000).

Some new exemptions will be created, to allow these new games to be played without a permit, so long as the conditions are complied with:

  • calc​utta sweepstakes, subject to certain monetary limits;
  • low value games played primarily for social purposes;
  • low value games of the kind typically played are a show day, regatta, fete, fair or carnival;
  • low value games played for fundraising purposes;
  • low value bingo or “pingo", played primarily for social purposes; and
  • social poker, subject to certain monetary limits.

There will no longer be a separate exemption for fundraising cards and tickets, but this game can continue to be played under the exemption for low value games played for fundraising purposes.


Commencement of changes​

The new rules for the authorised games, and the new conditions for exempt games (except social poker), will come into force on 4 September 2024.

The exemption for social poker will commence on 21 August 2024.


How to obtain a minor gaming permit for authorised games

The Commission has made some changes to the way that minor gaming permits are applied for and granted. 

The changes include:

  • There will no longer be a requirement to submit a separate Individual Activity Notice. 
  • You must apply and pay for a separate permit for each authorised game which you wish to conduct. Permits will only authorise the conduct of one game.
  • The permit can be granted for up to a maximum of five years (except permits for a raffle, which can only be issued for a period of up to 12 months).  This is an increase from a previous maximum of two years.
  • The conditions attached to your permit will be specific to your circumstances and the game that you wish to conduct. 
  • Record keeping obligations apply to all permit holders in the rules and conditions of each game, and in certain circumstances the Commission may make it a condition of your permit that you provide these records to the Commission on a specified date.

Existing permit holders​

If you hold an existing minor gaming permit, this will continue in force until it expires.  You do not need to do anything in relation to your existing permit. 

You will need to comply with the conditions on your existing minor gaming permit, and the new rules for the game you are conducting.

If you wish to conduct a game that is not listed on your existing minor gaming permit, you will need to complete a new minor gaming permit relating to the game you wish to conduct. For application forms, refer to Forms​. 


Further information​



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