TOUGHER laws have been introduced by the Queensland Government to increase scrutiny and improve the integrity of Queensland’s casinos.
The reforms set out in The Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 will enable the government to implement all recommendations outlined in the landmark Review of the Queensland Operations of The Star Entertainment Group.
The Bill paves way for mandatory carded play in Queensland casinos, restrictions on the use of cash, and for mandatory pre-commitment with binding expenditure limits and enforced breaks in play.
The new legislation means casinos will have to adopt new technologies and face higher penalties for specific breaches.
This Bill follows last year’s law reforms that introduced pecuniary penalties for casinos of up to $100 million, which were subsequently applied in disciplinary action against The Star.
The independent expert review conducted by the Honourable Robert Gotterson AO KC in 2022 made 12 recommendations, which were supported in principle by the government at the time, and are now being delivered.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the Bill will enable the government to continue implementing all 12 recommendations outlined in Mr Gotterson’s review.
“The new laws will ensure organisations associated with Queensland casinos are subject to inquiries every five years,” she said.
“This will assist in determining the ongoing suitability of those organisations.
“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 modernise Queensland’s gambling and casino laws to ensure they remain effective now and into the future.”
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