Organisations have warmly welcomed the party’s commitment to removing gaming machines from pubs and clubs within five years if elected.

A study of gambling in the state showed around 8,000 Tasmanians are considered problem and moderate risk gamblers, with a cost of about $110 million on machines in pubs and clubs this year.

St Vincent de Paul state secretary Bernard Saunders said the charity was “so pleased” a political party was taking steps to address gambling issues in the community.

“We are so pleased to see somebody in our political scene taking notice of what our community is asking for,” he said.

Mr Saunders said restricting pokies to casinos would help regulate the industry, while still allowing public access and free choice to the use of gaming machines.

He said a Launceston hotelier had told Mr Saunders the removal of pokies would see an expansion of the hotel’s restaurant in its place.

Relationships Australia gambling support counsellor Hilary Ivery described gambling as ruining lives and breaking families.

“People come in with their relationships breaking down ... it’s very common to be conducting risk assessments for suicide,” she said.

“I don't think people realise how the addiction of gambling traps people ... they hide it because it's very shameful.”

Community Legal Centres Tasmania chair Jane Hutchison also welcomed the announcement, saying the centres regularly saw clients who had lost their jobs, families or reputation due to pokies addiction.