With the New South Wales casino drama going on next door, the other Australian state with casinos under fire, Queensland, has brought in tough new laws to govern its gambling outlets.
The state’s Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman, introduced the Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 to ensure that casinos are operating lawfully and transparently and take their responsibilities to reduce gambling harm seriously.
“These laws aim to improve integrity and deter illegal, dishonest and unethical behaviour in Queensland’s casinos,” said Minister Fentiman.
The new regulations are driven by the independent review into The Star Entertainment Group. They include a special manager appointed to monitor and direct casino operations, reporting back to the government. A fine of up to A$100m can be issued to casinos that fail to adhere to any disciplinary measure.
There is also an obligation for casinos to report breaches of the law and co-operate with the regulator, or face significantly increased penalties. The new regulation also prepares the way for the transition to safe cashless gaming to assist in defeating AML failings.