Laws and policies administered by OLGR

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. This is a departure from the previous ‘point of supply’ regime, under which states and territories derived no betting tax revenue from Corporate Bookmakers and other licensed betting operators taking bets online in the relevant jurisdiction. In addition, that licensee currently pays the state a tax of 21.25% of its gross gaming revenue from table games and 31.57% of its gross gaming revenue from gaming machines in respect of regular players, together with a 1% community benefit levy. 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). Separately, the CCA imposes penalties for, amongst other things, misleading and deceptive conduct (including through advertising).
‘Traditionally, probity checks have taken many months for new operators in casinos across the different state jurisdictions,’ creating significant transition challenges. The key will be balancing regulatory oversight with business viability while keeping player protection paramount.” These measures reflect Queensland’s commitment to responsible gambling practices while ensuring legal compliance across all gaming venues. Located on the Gold Coast but serving the broader South East Queensland market, Reef Hotel Casino offers a gaming paradise with a unique mix of poker room and gaming machines.

1. 5 By Relevant Product, what are the key limits on providing services to customers? 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. 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 safe craps in brisbane 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 authors note that in January 2024, the Special Manager of Crown Melbourne submitted his final report to the Victorian regulator setting out his assessment of the effectiveness and sustainability of Crown Melbourne’s reforms. 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. Gaming machine permits/licences have typically been perpetual in Australia, other than in certain states such as Vic, which operate for 20 years from August 2022 onwards. Apart from Vic (where the licence expired in 2022 and two new non-exclusive licences were issued, each expiring in 2042), the key keno licences in Qld, NSW and ACT expire in 2047, 2050 and 2064, respectively.

Stricter fines have also been issued as a clear warning to gambling operators that failure to comply with responsible gambling regulations will result in significant financial penalties. These problems have led to the gambling industry being closely monitored and regulated to keep a balance between consumer protection, responsible gambling, and economic interests. This resulted in the introduction of credit card betting ban legislation in Australia, which aims to prevent people in Australia from betting with money they don’t have. Operators must follow the requirements regarding the minimum share capital of the company depending on the type of game it offers.
Until that time, the potential use of digital currencies had been under consideration in the NT. Failure to comply with the AML/CTF Act, including by not maintaining a compliant AML/CTF Program, and not filing TTRs and/or SMRs (or filing them late), can result in large civil penalties and possible criminal exposure. It is possible that these restrictions may become more restrictive once the Commonwealth government responds to the Australian House of Representatives report and recommendations into the online wagering sector, entitled ‘You Win Some You Lose More’. All gambling-related licences issued by a state or territory are subject to strict requirements relating to responsible gambling and harm minimisation.
What appetite for and track record of enforcement does your local regulatory authority have? Whilst federal, state and territory laws and regulations are often capable of being contravened by directors and other officers of licensees, recent regulatory action has been taken against corporate licensees only. The regulator responsible for enforcing the Interactive Gambling Act, the ACMA, has consumer protection responsibilities and powers relating to the enforcement of prohibitions on providing or advertising illegal interactive gambling services. Advocates of cashless gaming consider that it will assist in identifying and preventing improper use of poker machines and mitigate gambling harm when coupled with the use of mandatory pre-commitment limits.
“The Star announced a cashless and carded play trial in NSW on February 22 and is in communication with the OLGR (Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation) in Queensland about similar measures.” “When we talk about responsible gambling, we’re blaming that gambler, and that just increases the shame and increases the isolation,” she said. Legislation has also been updated to replace the terms “responsible gambling” and “problem gamblers” with more suitable wording — to reduce stigma. Operators will also be required to collect and share player card data, including player losses and wins, products played and how long they play. “Every study shows that the person who gets in trouble with gambling, if they set their limits, money and time before they’re in front of that mesmerising machine, actually set much more sensible limits,” he said. Tim Costello, chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, said gambling limits were a game changer. The measures are designed to track gambling patterns and data, highlighting players at risk of harm.