New Spending Restrictions for Tasmania

By Matt Speakman,
Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

Matt Speakman Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

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Last updated: September 17, 2022

The gaming industry in Australia is constantly changing. New spending restrictions for Tasmania are among the most recent moves. Live sports betting and loot boxes may be the next targets across the country.

In Australia, issues surrounding Star Entertainment, Crown Resorts, and other casino operators have prompted an overhaul of the regulations governing land-based gambling. Legislators demanded change as a result of allegations of money laundering, negligence, and other things.

Even before the operators’ misdeeds, Australia was working to reform its gambling laws. Loss limits will be one of the biggest modifications, and Tasmania will have new rules in place within two years.

According to ABC News, Tasmanians won’t be allowed to spend above US$3,348 (AU$5,000) annually on slots starting in 2024. The state is the first to introduce a compulsory pre-commitment regulation. It will use a cashless payment system to enforce it.

Some Consumers Will Be Allowed to Spend More

There are monthly and daily limits in addition to the hard annual cap. No one will be able to spend above US$334.85 (AU$500) per month or US$66.97 (AU$100) per day. The 12-month total would be AU$6,000, but Tasmania established a limit of $5K that will supersede the others.

Some consumers will have the option of changing their limits. However, they must first prove that they have what it takes to spend more. Officials from Tasmania have not specified how this process will work.

Michael Ferguson says the scheme will offer those who are most at risk of gaming harm protection, which in many cases, is the best. He also said it would have little to no impact on recreation or casual gamblers.

The Announcement of the New Spending Limits Left Some Unhappy

Some people are unhappy with the announcement of the new spending limits, despite the limits appearing to be an attempt to increase responsible gambling in the state. The plan is not supported by the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, a group that supports restaurants, hotels, pubs, clubs, and cafes in the state.

It expected the government to prohibit slots in places other than gaming facilities and considers the new measure to be treacherous. In a statement, the group said the government broke its promise of banning gambling machines which it made after winning the 2018 election.

The spending caps might not matter. According to a study cited by ABC News, problem gamblers in Tasmania averagely spend around US$2,412 (AU$3,600) annually. The average daily amount is US$134 (AU$200), but the annual total falls far short of the new limit.

Live Betting and Loot Boxes May Be Next

Researchers in Australia concluded a few years ago that loot boxes might encourage problem gambling. The items, which enable players to claim prizes for payment, are a standard component of video games. There are divided opinions on whether these items encourage gambling, given that the prizes they contain are unknown.

The country’s government will now carefully examine the subject. It has started an inquiry to look into live sports betting and loot boxes to see if they put customers at more risk. The inquiry will be carried out across Australia, and feedback will be gathered directly from consumers. Additionally, it will study the rise in gambling advertisements and the prevalence of online gaming.

The goal of the inquiry, according to Peta Murphy, Labor MP, is not to create policies to prohibit gambling. She says the inquiry is an effort to comprehend the impact of gambling and how the government can put a stop to problem gambling.