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AAP
AAP
Fraser Barton

Qld casinos face scrutiny, penalties under new laws

Executives will be required to undertake particular duties for casino operations in Queensland. (Dan Peled/AAP PHOTOS)

Queensland casinos face higher penalties for breaches and the adaptation of new technologies under laws passed by state parliament.

The state government has cracked down on casino integrity and probity in ushering in all 12 recommendations of a landmark review of operations at The Star Entertainment Group.

An independent expert review was conducted by Robert Gotterson KC in 2022, with all recommendations supported in principle at the time by the government. 

Mandatory carded play in Queensland casinos, restrictions on the use of cash, mandatory pre-commitments with binding expenditure limits, and enforced breaks in play form part of the legislative reforms. 

It follows laws in 2022 that introduced pecuniary penalties for casinos of up to $100 million.

Star Entertainment were fined $100 million by the government last year 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.

Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said the government is committed Queensland casinos operating under strict laws that prioritise integrity and gambling harm minimisation.

"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."

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