In Queensland, the state government has proposed a bill that would boost regulatory oversight of the region’s four land-based casinos, to include mandatory pre-commitment and loss limits for gaming machines, mandatory carded play for all patrons, periodic breaks in play and restricted use of cash.
The proposed bill, known as the Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, mirrors very similar efforts also currently underway in New South Wales and Victoria.
It should be noted that new technologies will have to be developed in order for the state’s four land-based casinos to fall under compliance, should the bill be approved. These include Star Entertainment’s Treasury Brisbane and Gold Coast properties as well as The Reef in Cairns and The Ville in Townsville.
The changes set forth in the bill came in large part from last year’s Review of the Queensland Operations of The Star Entertainment Group, which was a regulatory inquiry headed by Robert Gotterson AO KC.
That investigation resulted in a AU$100 million fine for Star for a litany of compliance violations. Gotterson outlined 12 total recommendations, and Queensland officials have promised to eventually implement all 12.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring Queensland casinos operate under strict laws that prioritize integrity and gambling harm minimization,” Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said in a statement.
“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,” she concluded.
