Queensland casinos to have cash limits, new penalties in gambling reforms prompted by Star report

Casino licences can typically only be applied for through a competitive tender process run by the relevant state or territory. Gaming machine and other equipment manufacturers, software developers and technical services suppliers selling products and/or services used for gambling-related activities are also required to hold a relevant licence (including providers of gaming machine monitoring services). There are often strict local government planning requirements that must be met in relation to gaming machines. Hotels and clubs hold a venue operator’s licence and a permit/licence to operate each gaming machine within the licensed premises.
Licensed remote gaming operators will only be allowed to make payments to players through the payment processors approved by the regulator. Online gambling in Australia is regulated at the federal level by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) (IGA) which outlines the general regulation of online gambling in Australia. However, licensing responsibilities remain with state and territory regulators rather than the ACMA. Due to the nature of gambling and its potential risks, it is crucial for operators to comply with regulations designed to protect consumers and promote responsible gambling. Recently, there have been increasing calls for a ban on or stricter restrictions for gambling ads as well as implementing cashless gambling cards with preset limits. The rise in online gambling can be attributed to the convenience of mobile apps and online betting platforms, along with aggressive advertising. A recent study found that 11% of Australians engaged in online gambling over the past six months, an increase from 8% in 2020.
In the NT, Corporate Bookmakers (and betting exchange operators) are required to pay a sports bookmaking tax on all net revenue and also a Racing and Wagering Levy which, among things, is applied to gambling harm reduction measures. State and territory taxation on casinos is determined on a case-by-case basis (typically during negotiations with the relevant state or territory government at the time). The state and/or territory taxes that apply to gambling products depend upon the relevant licence under which the product is being offered, the type of product and also the jurisdiction in which the product is offered. Separately, the CCA imposes penalties for, amongst other things, misleading and deceptive conduct (including through advertising). The federal government has enacted ‘rules’ that restrict gambling advertising and odds promotion during broadcasts of live sport, with one key objective being to limit its exposure to children. On-course Bookmakers offer substantially the same fixed-odds betting on-course and, subject to approval, also over the telephone and in some instances online. Corporate Bookmakers are licensed to offer fixed-odds betting on racing, sport and other approved events online and over the telephone.
In addition to the compulsory responsible gambling messages and warnings, it is an offence to advertise an inducement to open a betting account or to refer another person to open a betting account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently. Hotels and clubs are permitted to provide approved gaming machines in the licensed premises. 2.5 By Relevant Product, what are the key limits on providing services to customers? Gaming machine and other equipment manufacturers, software developers and technical services suppliers selling products and/or services used for gambling-related activities typically have perpetual licences, which are often administrative in nature and remain on issue, subject to the payment of periodic fees. Various states (including NSW and Vic) have implemented harm minimisation measures to cap the number of gaming machine permits/licences on issue in certain lower socio-economic areas. The number of licences available are limited and there are typically only one per state and territory (except in the case of current casino licences held in each of Qld, NT and NSW, the two recently issued Vic keno licences, and potentially for new wagering licences) and the processes are very infrequent. Retail operations are typically conducted using authorised agents and licensing distribution arrangements.
Exclude yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone gambling providers. Sumsub helps businesses verify users, prevent fraud, and meet regulatory requirements anywhere in the world, without compromises. As a result, the company has been instructed to revamp its internal systems and enhance player safety measures. Online gambling service providers are mandated to complete Applicable Customer Identification Procedures (ACIP) before creating an online gambling account or providing any designated services.
A casino licence permits the relevant casino to typically offer traditional table games and gaming machines. A state or territory licence is typically required to operate a bingo centre in the relevant jurisdiction. 2.1 What regulatory licences, permits, authorisations or other official approvals (collectively, “Licences”) are required for the lawful offer of the Relevant Products to persons located in your jurisdiction?
The Reef Hotel Casino stands as the Gold Coast’s premier gaming destination, featuring over 500 gaming machines that ensure visitors will never experience boredom. With over 80 gaming tables and 1,300 gaming machines, Treasury Sky Deck Brisbane caters to every gaming preference imaginable. “Queensland’s regulatory approach strikes a balance between allowing controlled access to gaming while implementing robust harm minimization strategies. This government body issues licenses to new casinos and other gaming venues, ensuring operators act in players’ best interests by offering secure and fair play environments. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on employees should the company enter voluntary administration. Star is currently seeking a financial lifeline to stave off potential collapse after becoming embroiled in scandals involving criminal infiltration and money laundering across its Queensland and New South Wales properties.
“At the time of the audit, implementation of programs and initiatives was significantly behind schedule and had been subject to limited oversight. “Inadequate governance and project management practices have hindered the department’s efforts to implement these strategies,” the report found. The report found the Department of Justice and Attorney-General’s harm minimisation programs were hampered by low government funding and poor management. A damning Queensland Audit Office report has taken aim at the state government’s “inadequate” harm reduction strategies. Financial counsellors provide free, independent, and non-judgmental services to people in financial difficulties. Gambling Help Queensland services offer culturally safe gambling support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information, including a list of meetings near you, please visit gaaustralia.org.au
Set out below is a list of the primary legislation governing gaming, betting, lotteries and social/skill arrangements for each Australian state/territory, as well as at the federal level. For completeness, it is worth noting that, to a lesser extent, local government bodies in most states and territories also regulate gambling from a local government and town planning perspective, but typically only as it relates to gaming machines and their operation within the relevant municipal district. Each of Australia’s eight mainland states and territories separately regulates gambling activities within each of their respective jurisdictions. Such sweepstakes games can be differentiated from ‘trade promotion lotteries’ which are common in the jurisdiction. Unlike other jurisdictions, sweepstakes models which involve redemptions outside the platform are not operated in this jurisdiction (at least in any overt manner). The measures are designed to track gambling patterns and data, highlighting players at risk of harm.