Poker Machines

In reply to the Hon. C. BONAROS ().7 February 2023).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs has advised:

While the decision to allow new technology gaming machines to be introduced in SA received bipartisan support, significant amendments moved by the Labor Party whilst in opposition and subsequently passed by the parliament ensure that players are not allowed to insert more than $100 into a gaming machine at a time and prohibit the use of $100 banknotes.

This is in stark contrast to NSW, which only recently reduced the amount that a player may insert into a gaming machine from $7,500 at a time to $5,000.

The government is of course closely monitoring the development of both the Tasmanian and NSW proposals. Any relevant findings will inform the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner's advice to the government.

In response to the honourable member's question about the increase in poker machine revenue, while some of the increase in spending may indeed be attributable to the changes in 2019, COVID-related restrictions on venues with gaming machines were lifted to 75 percent in March 2021 and full capacity was reinstated in December 2021.

Treasury has advised that growth in gaming machines tax revenue from hotels and clubs will return to more modest levels over the forward estimates period.

The government remains committed to reducing the prevalence and severity of potential harm caused by gambling, which is why, in addition to the use of facial recognition technology, a number of measures have been implemented to minimise the potential for gambling-related harm as a result of the introduction of new technology gaming machines, including:

a restriction on EFTPOS cash withdrawals to $250 per card over 24 hours;

a prohibition on the use of $100 banknotes;

a restriction on the use of banknotes of any value at a gaming machine if there is already $100 or more on the machine;

a requirement for gaming venues to offer the payment of winnings of $500 or more by cheque or EFT.