Tasmania has recorded its highest-ever annual losses on poker machines, with new figures showing residents lost $208.27 million during the 2025–26 financial year. The record total has reignited debate over gambling reform, with advocates and independent politicians warning that gambling-related harm continues to affect thousands of Tasmanians.
According to data released by the Tasmanian Treasury, poker machine losses increased by 6.9 per cent compared with the previous financial year. The total equates to approximately $360 for every Tasmanian, making it the largest amount lost to poker machines in any single year since official records began. Over the past 15 years, total poker machine losses in Tasmania have reached $2.79 billion, demonstrating the long-term impact of electronic gaming across the state.
The figures have sparked criticism from gambling reform advocates, who argue the growing losses highlight the need for stronger consumer protections. Independent MP Meg Webb described the latest statistics as "horrifying", saying the amount of money being lost reflects the continuing social and financial harm experienced by individuals, families and communities. She called for more effective gambling reforms that place public health ahead of industry interests.
The release of the new data comes only days after concerns were raised by the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission regarding the state's revised gambling policies. The commission warned that recently announced changes may not effectively reduce gambling harm and could potentially make conditions worse for people experiencing gambling addiction. The regulator said it had not been consulted before the reforms were announced.
The Tasmanian Government has defended its approach, saying a range of gambling harm reduction measures are being introduced progressively. These include longer mandatory shutdown periods for poker machines, the introduction of a ticket-in, ticket-out system, expanded facial recognition technology to assist self-exclusion programs and the installation of ATMs inside gaming venues. Government representatives argue the reforms strike a balance between supporting the hospitality industry and reducing gambling-related harm.
Critics, however, have questioned the decision to abandon the previously proposed mandatory pre-commitment card, which would have required gamblers to set spending limits before using poker machines. Gambling harm advocates believe the pre-commitment system would have provided stronger protections for vulnerable people by helping them control gambling expenditure before losses occurred.
Researchers and community organisations continue to highlight the broader consequences of gambling losses, including financial hardship, family stress, mental health challenges and increased demand for support services. They argue that while many people gamble responsibly, a relatively small number of problem gamblers account for a significant proportion of poker machine losses each year.
The latest figures have renewed calls for governments, regulators and industry operators to work together on evidence-based reforms that minimise gambling harm while maintaining responsible entertainment options. As debate continues, the record losses are expected to remain a significant issue in Tasmania's political and public policy discussions throughout the coming year.
