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Queensland Parliament Passes New Laws Restricting Cash Gambling at Casinos

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The Queensland Parliament has passed new laws restricting cash gambling at casinos. New laws will increase regulatory scrutiny and enhance the integrity of Queensland casinos, with a focus on reducing gambling harm.

The reforms enable the government to implement the remaining recommendations of the Review of the Queensland operations of The Star Entertainment Group by the Honourable Robert Gotterson AO KC.

It marks the second raft of substantial legislative changes to the Casino Control Act 1982 in the past two years.

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Under the legislation, casinos will be required to:

  • implement mandatory carded play for certain games and activities, with restrictions on the use of cash, as well as mandatory pre-commitment, with time limits and enforced player breaks
  • issue player cards and collect information relating to play and provide certain de-identified data to the regulator
  • comply with an enforceable code of conduct to be defined in a regulation
  • pay a supervision levy to the government to cover the costs of casino regulation and to fund harm minimisation programs
  • take steps to exclude people who are banned from interstate casinos by an interstate police commissioner.

The legislation increases regulatory scrutiny, requiring Queensland casinos to undergo a periodic review of their operations and suitability at least every five years. Certain outdated and potentially stigmatising language was also removed from the legislation.

The reforms also enhance and modernise casino inspectorate powers, by updating the way inspectors may request information and allowing them to interview minors and excluded persons on casino premises (if the minor or excluded person is found on the premises).

The new laws represent the second set of substantial reforms to the Casino Control Act in the past two years.

Previous reforms implemented by the government in 2022 removed barriers to disciplinary action and ensure that meaningful penalties could be levelled against casinos where warranted.

The earlier reforms, which allowed government to fine casino entities up to $100 million and appoint a special manager to oversee their operations, were key in disciplinary action taken against The Star Entertainment Group in December 2022.

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Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:

“Queenslanders have the right to expect casinos are being operated lawfully and in a way that minimises harm.

“The new laws will help ensure Queensland casinos operate with integrity and that they have measures in place to prevent gambling harm and combat money laundering.

“Importantly, these reforms pave the way to implementing the remaining recommendations of the Gotterson Review, with the government now focused on developing the regulations required to enforce these reforms.”

The post Queensland Parliament Passes New Laws Restricting Cash Gambling at Casinos appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Australia

Entain’s Andrew Vouris to Speak at Regulating the Game 2026

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Leading gaming law and regulation conference Regulating the Game has announced the newly appointed CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand as its first Featured Speaker for its March 2026 event in Sydney.

The conference is scheduled to take place from 9 to 11 March 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Andrew Vouris, who was appointed CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand in August, brings almost two decades of leadership experience in wagering, operations and innovation at some of Australia’s largest wagering operators.

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His career spans senior leadership roles in Tabcorp’s multi-billion dollar wagering and media business, heading global operations of a pioneering esports and wagering platform, and partnering with private equity to build early-stage ventures in esports. Across these roles he has been deeply engaged in navigating complex regulatory and compliance challenges.

Since stepping into the CEO role at Entain Australia and New Zealand, Vouris has outlined his desire to embed a culture of “win, but not at all costs”, to return to the basics of selling bets and to lead innovation while ensuring customers are protected.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak at Regulating the Game 2026, which provides a unique global platform for advancing dialogue between regulators, industry and thought leaders,” Vouris said.

“At a time when public expectations and regulatory demands are at an all-time high, I look forward to sharing Entain’s vision for balancing sustainable growth, compliance leadership, and customer protection.”

Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, added: “Andrew’s leadership vision for Entain and his extensive track record across wagering and esports bring an important perspective to Regulating the Game 2026. His focus on culture, compliance and innovation aligns strongly with the values of the conference, and we are thrilled to feature his insights as part of this year’s program.”

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AUSTRAC Intelligence Helps Crack Gold Laundering Case Linked to Gambling

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AUSTRAC intelligence sparked an investigation that helped the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) to uncover a NSW police officer who sold more than $1.3 million in family gold bars to fund a gambling addiction.

The officer was found by the LECC to have engaged in serious misconduct after taking 12 gold bars, weighing 50 ounces each that belonged to his uncle and was stored underneath his mother’s house.

He falsified know your customer forms to sell the bullion to 2 dealers, claiming the gold was a birthday gift or inheritance and then he used the proceeds on sports betting apps and later admitted to the false information stating he “needed the money”.

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AUSTRAC first raised the alarm by flagging transactions, including significant gold sales to a bullion dealer with reported money laundering links.

Operation Dartmoor was launched and uncovered the full extent of misconduct.

The officer resigned from the NSW Police Force and has been referred to the Department of Public Prosecutions.

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said the case highlights the risks facing the bullion sector.

“Gambling harm doesn’t just drain bank accounts, it can drive desperate people into crime,” Mr Thomas said.

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“When gambling turns to addiction, people often look for fast money and that can mean stealing, fraud or money laundering.

“Bullion is portable, valuable and attractive to people wanting to use it illegitimately.

“If you trade in bullion, you are part of the front line in stopping its exploitation.

“Your AML/CTF controls are the difference between being a trusted dealer or a weak link for crime.

“Every transaction is a potential red flag – it’s your responsibility to look twice, and if needed, report it.”

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Mindway AI and Crown Resorts Partner to Launch Revolutionary Player Protection

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Mindway AI, a leader in player protection solutions for the gaming industry, is pleased to announce a partnership with Crown Resorts to introduce GameScanner to their Australian operations. This partnership marks the largest global implementation of Mindway’s technology in a physical setting and is the first land-based application in Australia, setting a new industry standard and aligning with Crown’s commitment to safe and sustainable gaming.

GameScanner is an award-winning AI solution, trained by gambling harm experts, researchers, and psychologists, to better enable effective checks, with a focus on player well-being and preventative measures. GameScanner’s highly advanced technology enables operators to understand the risk distribution among their guests, allowing these risks to be identified and addressed to enhance player protection.

“The introduction of this technology at Crown is yet another example of our commitment to continuous safety improvements and harm minimisation,” said Dr Jamie Wiebe, Group EGM of Crown PlaySafe. “This will greatly assist in identifying risks and preventing harms from occurring in the first place, which is a major focus for us at Crown. In collaboration with our Crown PlaySafe initiatives, technology plays a critical role in helping us provide a safe environment and uphold our industry-leading standards for our guests.”

This partnership marks a new era for the growing Mindway AI, as the company expands its application of AI solutions into land-based settings. GameScanner currently engages with just over 12.8 million active players in 64 global jurisdictions each month.

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“We are thrilled to partner with Crown Resorts in this significant initiative,” said Rasmus Kjaergaard CEO at Mindway AI. “Our shared vision for player welfare is the foundation of this collaboration. Our move into land-based applications signifies a significant milestone for Mindway AI. With GameScanner, we are reinforcing our commitment to player welfare across all gaming platforms, creating an environment where care and safety are paramount.”

The implementation of GameScanner marks a pivotal enhancement to Crown Resorts’ harm minimisation framework and reiterates the company’s dedication to industry-leading standards.

The post Mindway AI and Crown Resorts Partner to Launch Revolutionary Player Protection appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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