The Tasmanian Liberal Party has begun wooing voters to re-elect their candidates in the upcoming March elections by assuring them that pokies will remain in pubs and clubs.

The Australian Financial Review reported that Premier Will Hodgman committed to allowing poker machines in the state, saying that his party “respect the fact that the gaming and gambling is a lawful activity.”

Distancing themselves from their Labor opposition, Hodgman contended that “Tasmanians should be able to exercise choice and to participate in gambling activities.”

“We are not a government or political party that believes in dictating to people,” Hodgman said, according to the news outlet.