The Greens applaud RSL Tasmania’s decision to remove pokies from all RSLs. The Devonport club was the last RSL retaining these parasitic machines. Confirmation they will be removed – never to return to any RSL – is very welcome news.
The terrible social harm caused by pokies can’t be underestimated. These addictive machines are the source of financial and social ruin for too many Tasmanians.
It’s good to see RSL Tasmania recognise the damaging impact of pokies on individuals and the community. Their decision to be pokies-free will save lives and livelihoods.
The THA and the pokies barons will no doubt roll out their tired talking points, claiming poker machines are needed to support local jobs. That’s a lie – ‘employment intensity’ is one of the lowest of all industries, and money not put through the pokies is spent elsewhere, and would increase employment.
The truth is venues can prosper without pokies, and these addiction machines are actually a drain on the economy.
Every venue that removes its poker machines creates one less place where terrible gambling harm can occur. We urge others to follow the lead of RSL Tasmania and remove EGMs from their premises.
