The Queensland government has introduced a bill to parliament that will place stricter controls over the state’s casinos, including mandatory carded play, restrictions on the use of cash and mandatory pre-commitment with binding expenditure limits and enforced breaks in play.
Following the lead of similar measures introduced in New South Wales and Victoria, the Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 will enable the government to implement all recommendations outlined in the recent Review of the Queensland Operations of The Star Entertainment Group, according to an announcement from Queensland Attorney-General, Yvette D’Ath.
It also means casinos will have to adopt new technologies and face higher penalties for specific breaches. Queensland is home to four casinos, including Star Entertainment Group’s The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane, plus The Ville in Townsville and The Reef in Cairns.
Last year’s Review of the Queensland Operations of The Star Entertainment Group saw the Honourable Robert Gotterson AO KC make 12 recommendations for reform, while Star was also fined AU$100 million for its Queensland casino failures – on top of a previous AU$100 million fine received in NSW where it operates The Star Sydney.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring Queensland casinos operate under strict laws that prioritize integrity and gambling harm minimization,” said D’Ath.
“This Bill will enable us to continue our work in implementing all 12 recommendations outlined in Mr Gotterson’s review.
“The new laws will ensure organizations associated with Queensland casinos are subject to inquiries every five years. This will assist in determining the ongoing suitability of those organizations.
“Casino executives will be required to undertake particular duties in relation to the operation of a casino, and there will be significant personal penalties for non-compliance.
“There will also be a supervision levy imposed on casino licensees so that the costs of regulating casinos will not be passed onto taxpayers.
“These reforms will continue to modernize Queensland’s gambling and casino laws to ensure they remain effective now and into the future.”
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