Poker machine reforms being spruiked by a state government as tackling problem gambling have been criticised by a regulator as steps backwards that could even create greater harm.
Tasmania's Liberal government in January dumped plans for a self-proclaimed nation-leading pre-commitment gaming card that would have capped losses at $100 a day or $5000 a year.
It instead announced various other reforms, including facial-recognition technology, a ticketed pokies system and the introduction of ATMs in venues with a $400 withdrawal cap.
The Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission, the state's independent regulator, wrote to the government in March outlining a host of concerns with the reforms.
"The commission has no evidence that it can provide to you that any of the initiatives currently proposed in the package will minimise harm," it said in the letter, released on Tuesday under right-to-information procedures.
"We are concerned that many will not deliver protections from gambling harm, but in fact will have the opposite effect and take Tasmania backwards from where it currently is."
The commission, which will have to implement the reforms, said it had not been consulted.
The introduction of ATMs with a $400 cap was greatly concerning as, combined with the current daily $200 EFTPOS limit, would triple the cash available to players, they said.
The commission said the ticketed pokies system, in which players would convert cash into tickets, would make it easier and quicker to feed machines.
"Notably, there is strong evidence to suggest that 'tap and go' and (ticketed) systems can result in an increased spending effect of up to 20 per cent," they said.
The commission was also worried the introduction of ATMs and cashless ticketing would increase the risk of money laundering.
Senior Liberal MP Bridget Archer said the government was committed to the reforms.
"It sets the right balance. We will of course work with the gaming commission in the implementation of that policy," she told reporters.
In a written response to the regulator, Treasurer Eric Abetz said it was important the reforms were viewed as a total package.
The government didn't share some of the commission's concerns and the ticket method brought the state into line with every other Australian jurisdiction, he said.
The ticketed system would be accompanied by lower betting limits, $100 at a time compared to the current $500, and would stop players "loading" machines with coins.
ATM withdrawal limits would be enforced by facial-recognition technology, which was a big improvement from the current paper-based system, Mr Abetz said.
Anti-pokies independent MP Meg Webb said the commission's "bombshell" letter was damning.
The government's decision to abandon the pre-commitment card for "pro-industry" harmful measures was not based on evidence, she said.
