Australian Queensland is taking significant steps towards implementing stricter regulations on gambling in an effort to address the issue of problem gambling and reduce its societal impact. The state government has unanimously passed legislation aimed at introducing changes to the gambling industry.
Key provisions of the legislation include the implementation of a code of conduct for casinos, which will outline the responsibilities and obligations of gambling operators. Additionally, the legislation will introduce limits on cash bets, aiming to curb excessive gambling expenditure. Furthermore, there will be regulations on marketing practices within the industry.
These changes will apply to all casinos operating within Queensland's jurisdiction and are expected to be enacted by the end of the upcoming year.
Yvette D'Ath, the Queensland Attorney-General, emphasized that these legislative measures mark a significant milestone in addressing problem gambling and mitigating its adverse effects on society.
The push for regulatory reform in Queensland gained momentum following a high-profile case involving Star Entertainment in 2022. In response to violations related to responsible gaming and money laundering, the state government imposed a substantial fine on the operator. This incident spurred calls for tighter regulations, including proposals to impose daily spending limits on gambling activities.
