The Tasmanian Liberal Government has today taken action to bring social poker tournaments back to venues across Tasmania.
Minister for Finance, Nic Street, said the Government has delivered on its 100-day commitment to enable Tasmanians to play a game of genuine social poker under a tournament structure.
"Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future we committed to ensuring Tasmanians can return to play social poker tournaments, without wagering and with low entry fees," Minister Street said.
"Coming into effect today is a direction to the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission requesting that social poker be declared an exempt game under the Gaming Control Act.
"This will allow small-scale tournaments to operate subject to specified conditions, ensuring Tasmanians can continue to enjoy a game of social poker in their local pub, without further regulatory oversight," he said.
Declaring social poker an exempt game removes it from the regulatory regime of the Gaming Control Act.
The Ministerial Direction defines the parameters for what constitutes a game of genuine social poker and outlines conditions within which social poker can be played.
The direction also includes a requirement for operators to undertake Responsible Conduct of Gambling training.
"It is important that appropriate conditions are in place to enable Tasmanians to participate in this genuine social activity, while also ensuring tournaments are conducted responsibly.
"The Government has been working with the social poker community to ensure these parameters meet the expectations of players," he said.
Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, the Government has delivered on its commitment to enable a vibrant and thriving social poker scene that fosters community connection.
