Minister breaks rules for casinos, again

The Tasmanian Greens Gaming Spokesperson today highlighted that the controversial Casino Premium Player Program is exempt from the Responsible Gambling Mandatory Code of Practice of Tasmania.

Greens Gaming Spokesperson Kim Booth MP said that the while the Mandatory Code of Practice for Tasmania was developed to minimise harm from gambling in the Tasmanian community, on page seven of the document it states that the Code does not apply to the operations of a Premium Player Program.

“When questioned today, Minister Bacon used weasel words when he stated that the Premium Player Program (PPP) conforms with the Responsible Gambling Mandatory Code of Practice for Tasmania. The PPP only conforms with the Code because the Code itself specifically exempts the Premium Player Program from having to apply,” said Mr Booth.

“The Premium Player Program allows the Casinos to target high spenders who may have a gambling problem. Even more insidious is the fact that the individual loses access to the Premium Player Program if they gamble less than the required amount to be part of the program.”

“This direct targeting and incentive to gamble more contravenes the Mandatory Code of Practice, which is why the PPP needs a special exemption.”

“More concerning is the fact that ATMs are allowed inside the PPP area and there are no limits to withdrawals unlike in the Mandatory Code of Practice where it states that ATMs cannot be located on the gaming premises and customers are not able to withdraw more than $400 per day.”

“The Premium Player Program also allows members to invite a guest to go and lose money on the pokies with them. Whilst it states that the guest cannot have access to the ATM located in the PPP area it is ludicrous to think that a member wouldn’t do their friend a favour and get some cash out for them.”

“The Premium Player Program allows the casino operator to offer their members’ rewards, benefits, discounts, cash rebates or promotions. It is nonsensical to state that this will not encourage the PPP member to spend more.”

“Once again there is one rule for everyone and a special rule for Federal Hotels. They continue to make millions from our losses.”

“The Minister stated that the PPP will allow the Casinos to compete with Crown Casino on the mainland. If the Minister for Finance wants to attract more people to Tasmania why not put on his tourism hat and think about how to get people to come to Tasmania to enjoy our unique lifestyle, natural environment and good living.”

“Instead he lets Federal Hotels do the work for him and make the profit. In so doing he once again overlooks small businesses around the state and just takes the easy option of letting big business write their own rules to make more money,” Mr Booth said.
Kim Booth MP Greens Gaming Spokesperson