The Tasmanian Greens called on the Minister for Finance to put a freeze on the controversial Premium Player Program until research is completed to determine whether loyalty programs contribute to problem gambling.
Greens Gaming spokesperson, Kim Booth MP, said that it was disappointing that the Minister failed to commit to do so when it was put to him during question time, instead saying that Federal Hotels needed their loyalty program to be competitive.
“The Minister’s response reveals that his concern rests with the profitability of Federal Hotels rather than in minimising the harm for problem gamblers,” said Mr Booth.
“Crown Casino in Melbourne has had a loyalty program in place for many years however alarm bells have been so loud a report is being commissioned by the Victorian Department of Justice into whether loyalty programs actually further incentivise gambling and so lead to further problem gambling.”
“Rather than waiting to hear the findings of the research the Minister for Federal Hotels has rushed ahead in his eagerness to appease this private company even at the risk of further losses to Tasmanian families and our economy.”
“The Minister confirmed that it was Federal Hotels who submitted their rules for the Premium Player Program in December 2012. The assurances that the PPP was subsequently checked to ensure that they addressed problem gambling ring hollow given that the PPP was granted an exemption from the Responsible Gambling Mandatory Code of Practice.”
“The Minister has refused to implement a $1 bet limit. He has exempted Federal Hotels Casinos from complying with the Responsible Gambling Mandatory Code of Practice. He has failed to determine a safe cap for pokies in our towns and the only thing he stands up for is the profits of the pokies barons.”
“The Minister claims he cares about problem gambling but actions speak louder than words and his actions to date would suggest otherwise,” Mr Booth said.
LINKS
1. Tasmanian Gaming Commission Responsible Gambling Mandatory Code of Practice
http://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/domino/dtf/dtf.nsf/v-liq-and-gaming/5CCEAA61FC7DB164CA2578880019C076
2. Tasmanian Gaming Commission Premium Player Program Rules
http://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/domino/dtf/dtf.nsf/LookupFiles/CasinoPremiumPlayerProgram.pdf/$file/CasinoPremiumPlayerProgram.pdf
Kim Booth MP Greens Gaming Spokesperson
