New laws focusing on gambling harm minimisation and cracking down on criminal behaviour in casinos have been passed in Queensland.
The casino control bill implements the remaining recommendations from a landmark review of operations at The Star Entertainment Group that was handed down two years ago.
Mandatory carded play in casinos, cash restrictions, compulsory break limits and enforceable compliance with safer gambling codes of conduct are among the features of the legislation.
Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said the legislation was a significant step.
“It is no exaggeration to say that the reforms presented in this bill are among the most significant steps taken to reduce gambling harm in any jurisdiction in this country in the history of gambling regulation,” Ms. D'Ath told parliament on March 20.
Carded play is particularly revolutionary for harm minimisation as it ensures a gambler taps onto a machine before play and casinos can track the data for problematic habits or criminal activity.
The rollout of carded gaming machines will be completed across the state by 2025.
The bill also ensures independent reviews of licensing are carried out periodically.
“This government is tough on those who would abuse the privilege of a casino license,” Ms. D'Ath said.
A supervision levy will be imposed on casino operators for the implementation of these regulations and gambling harm minimisation programs instead of the cost being at the expense of the taxpayer.
Robert Gotterson KC conducted the review in 2022, with all recommendations now legislated by the government.
Updated laws were passed shortly after the review was handed down, introducing pecuniary penalties for casinos of up to $100 million (US$65.31 million).
Star Entertainment was fined $100 million by the government two years ago and was found unfit to hold its two gambling licences for three months following an inquiry.
It showed it had neglected anti-money laundering and responsible gaming duties, and deliberately misled the regulator in pursuit of profit.
