Mandatory carded play, restrictions on cash use, mandatory pre-commitment and playing time limits are among a raft of new restrictions to be faced by Queensland casinos after the state’s parliament this week passed its latest regulatory reforms.
The tighter controls, which implement remaining recommendations from a 2022 review of Star Entertainment Group’s operations, will apply to Star;s casino resorts on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, as well as The Ville in Townsville and The Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns.
Under this new legislation, Queensland’s casinos will be required to implement mandatory carded play for certain games and activities, with restrictions on the use of cash, as well as mandatory pre-commitment, time limits on play and enforced player breaks.
They will also need to issue player cards and collect information relating to play, then provide certain de-identified data to the regulator. Payment of a supervision levy to the government to cover the costs of casino regulation and to fund harm minimization programs will be mandatory, as will an expectation that casinos take steps to exclude people who are banned from interstate casinos.
All Queensland casinos will need to undergo a periodic review of their operations and suitability at least every five years.
“Queenslanders have the right to expect casinos are being operated lawfully and in a way that minimizes harm,” said Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath.
“The new laws will help ensure Queensland casinos operate with integrity and that they have measures in place to prevent gambling harm and combat money laundering.
“Importantly, these reforms pave the way to implementing the remaining recommendations of the Gotterson Review, with the government now focused on developing the regulations required to enforce these reforms.”
This is the second round of major regulatory reforms in Queensland, with previous reforms having removed certain barriers to disciplinary action and added a provision whereby government can fine casino entities up to AU$100 million for breaches and appoint a special manager to oversee their operations.
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