Over the years, online gambling has slowly become an integral part of many economies all over the world. This singular activity has built and maintained many businesses and has gained a better standing in the eyes of many as a result. Many countries have adopted it although with different regulations to ensure that its activities do not spiral out of control.
For many states and countries that have regulated online wagering and have started reaping its benefits, this is surely a good result for the government. For those like Australia who are still catching up in regulating the industry, the benefits are out there to take advantage of.
Now, with Queensland set to bring stricter laws into place, many are wondering what the future of Australia’s gambling industry will be.
How Far Behind Is Australia?
Recent research showed that Australia was lagging behind many other countries in regulating online gambling as the world seeks to bring reform to gambling. Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain are just some of the numerous countries that have taken a huge step in curbing online gambling and advertisements.
For instance, Germany has banned gambling advertisements on several media platforms since 2021, including the Internet and TV, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. The government has also announced a monthly compulsory deposit limit of €1000 for all gambling firms.
However, one state in Australia has taken a huge step in this regard – Queensland.
Just recently, Queensland took the baton by introducing a bill named the Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. This bill will enable the government to enact all recommendations outlined in the Star Entertainment Group’s gambling operations in New Zealand. It comes on the back of the review of Star Entertainment Group’s operations in the state undertaken by former Judge Robert Gotterson. The firm was fined $100m to be paid over the next twelve months and had its license revoked.
Star Entertainment Group currently owns and operates the Star Gold Coast casino, the Treasury Casino and Hotel, and the Star Sydney. It also holds three of Queensland’s five casino operation licenses.
What Does the Bill Contain?
The main aim of the bill is to foster safer gambling efforts and give the government more control of Australian casino operations. With the bill, card play is made mandatory in casinos in Queensland, as players would need to pre-load money on a card to gamble. This way, players’ activities and financial transactions are easier to track.
Casinos would need to implement a pre-commitment system for every player. This would disallow certain players from gambling in a specific casino(s) unless they agree to follow certain rules that include mandatory limits on losses and breaks.
Apart from the players, the bill also imposes a supervision levy on casino operators. A government official will determine the amount before the beginning of the financial year. If the bill is successful, there will be amendments to existing gambling laws in the state, such as the Casino Control Act 1982 and the Gaming Machine Act 1991.
What Major Changes Will the Bill Introduce?
This bill is sure to improve gambling conditions for entertainment activities and provide a safer gaming environment for gambling fans and enthusiasts. Before now, gambling reform in Australia has been quite slow, ineffective, and operated on a small scale. However, with the incoming bill there are sure to be widespread changes and results in and around the state.
Every system used will need to conform to the new laws that will surely prevent financial scams and misappropriation. It will push for the adoption of stronger financial gateways and systems in all casinos, making players put more trust in financial systems. It also helps governance and decreases the risk for players as they can now access safer sites and platforms to play their favorite games. Finally, it brings Queensland and Australia closer to the standards of the rest of the world.
What This Means for the Online Casino Industry
While it remains to be seen whether many other states will take up the mantle by introducing this bill in their own regions, the success of the bill in Queensland will surely play a major part in influencing this decision. Other Australian casinos will surely be looking to see how it pans out for casinos in Queensland. Nevertheless, this bill will pave the way for a new approach to casinos for both operators and players. The future of the casino industry in Queensland and Australia is surely one to look out for.
