Treasurer Michael Aird yesterday confirmed the cards would be considered as he released a study showing gambling had no investment or jobs benefits for Tasmania.

"Yes, we will consider smart cards," he said.

"I think smart cards could be the appropriate response (to problem gambling)."

The cards could be used to limit the amount individuals spend on pokies and bar gamblers who elect to exclude themselves from gaming.

The report found the rate of problem gambling was 0.54 per cent.

"While there was no significant change in the prevalence of problem gambling, the study highlights the social costs are significant and the impact of gambling in lower socio- economic communities is an area of concern," Mr Aird said.

He said he referred the government-commissioned study to the Tasmanian Gaming Commission for a detailed response that would be considered by parliament.

It found:

Some disadvantaged communities appeared to have higher per capita gambling spending and more poker machines per person;

Lower income people were more likely to use gaming machines, along with indigenous and young people, while people with higher education were less likely to use them;

The problem gambling rate had not changed much since 2005;

The benefits of gambling were hard to quantify in dollar terms, but were largely in gaming taxes and gamblers' enjoyment.

Individuals, families and the community incur losses; and

Most gambling problems involved gaming machines.