Treasurer Michael Ferguson says he is "determined" to bring in a card-based pre-commitment scheme for pokies in Tasmania should it be recommended by the Liquor and Gaming Commission.
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He directed the commission to investigate the extent to which pre-commitment schemes and facial recognition technology could minimise gambling harm, as part of legislation passed last year.
A full report with recommendations will be provided to the government by June 30, and this work is "on time". Mr Ferguson guaranteed the government would respond by the end of the year.
A scoping investigation has already been completed by Stenning and Associates which highlighted how pre-commitment schemes elsewhere have helped gamblers better track their spending, but the cards have very low uptake unless they are mandatory.
The investigation noted the schemes offer players time limits, expenditure limits, live activity data, self-exclusion, breaks in play and on-screen messaging.
Victoria's voluntary opt-in system only accounted for 0.1 per cent of gaming machine turnover, while Queensland's trial found "significant effort" was needed to encourage players to use the cards.
In analysing Norway's universal - or mandatory - scheme, the investigation found reductions in both losses and calls to gambling helplines, regarded as successes.
When asked if he would bring in a "universal" pre-commitment scheme if it was recommended by Liquor and Gaming, Mr Ferguson said he would.
"The government is determined to make good on a genuine pre-commitment scheme going forward because I believe it's the answer for problem gambling as it relates to electronic gaming machines," he said.
"What it does require is an evidence base, and the research that the commission is currently doing, which of course as you know is independent of government.
"I'm full-blooded on this, and so is the premier.
"While we don't know what's in the recommendations yet, until we receive them, people will see in the fullness of time how serious we were about pre-commitment and harm reduction."
The facial recognition aspect would allow venues to identify the approximately 350 people on the voluntary exclusion scheme, rather than having to consult a folder with images and names. The Stenning report found limitations in using these systems.
The decision to investigate pre-commitment technology and facial recognition helped the government win the support of Labor for its gaming reforms last year, allowing it to pass both houses.
Nelson independent MLC Meg Webb, who delivered a six-and-a-half hour speech slamming the major parties over the reforms and lack of guaranteed harm reduction, said she wanted to see pre-commitment technology applied across the board.
"I cannot see that they're going to do it industry-wide," she said.
"If they do that - fantastic - I will be the first person to publicly congratulate them.
"If they are universally required and have certain features like pre-commitment, they have the possibility to assist with reducing harm."
The NSW Government is reportedly backtracking from its commitment to bring in a mandatory scheme after facing lobbying by ClubNSW, resulting in a new minister being appointed to the role.
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