Australia: Queensland introduces bill with stricter regulatory controls for casinos

The Queensland government has introduced a bill to parliament that aims to place stricter regulatory controls over the Australian state’s casinos. Measures include mandatory carded play, restrictions on the use of cash, and mandatory pre-commitment with binding expenditure limits and enforced breaks in play.

The reforms will be brought under the Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, following similar measures that were first introduced in New South Wales and Victoria. The bill will enable the government to implement 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.

As per a statement from D’Ath’s office, the government is progressing the legislation to improve the integrity and probity of the state’s casinos. The proposed bill would both increase regulatory scrutiny and require casinos to introduce specific measures that reduce gambling harm and combat money laundering.

Casinos will be required to adopt new technologies and face bigger penalties for specific breaches. There are four casinos currently operating in Queensland, including Star Entertainment Group’s The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane, The Ville in Townsville, and The Reef in Cairns.

According to local media reports, 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 fined AU$100 million ($63 million) for its Queensland casino shortcomings, with an additional AU$100 million penalty received in New South Wales, 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. This bill will enable us to continue our work in implementing all 12 recommendations outlined in Mr Gotterson’s review,” said D’Ath. “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."

Concluding her statement, D'Ath said that the reforms are set to "continue to modernize Queensland’s gambling and casino laws to ensure they remain effective now and into the future.”