MP laments 'horrifying' amount lost to pokies by Tasmanians
Why This Matters
The alarming rise in pokie losses in Tasmania highlights the state's vulnerability to problem gambling, with the $208.27 million lost in 2025-26 representing a significant burden on the local economy and community. This trend underscores the need for policymakers to reassess the regulation of gaming machines and implement measures to mitigate the social and financial impacts on vulnerable populations. The substantial increase in losses also raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing support services and prevention strategies.
Tasmanians lost $208.27 million to poker machines in 2025-26, or around $360 per person — a 6.9 per cent increase on last financial year.
Curation & Context
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