What laws govern gambling in Queensland

Gambling in Queensland (QLD) is governed by a set of regulations covering land-based casinos, slot machines, betting services, lotteries and selected forms of online gambling. Control is carried out by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR), which issues licenses, monitors compliance with the rules and applies sanctions to violators.

1. Main legislative acts

1. 1. Casino Control Act 1982

Regulates the activities of land-based casinos.
Defines how licenses are issued, suspended, and revoked.
Sets requirements for gaming integrity, consumer protection, and safety standards.

1. 2. Gaming Machine Act 1991

Defines the rules for the installation and operation of slot machines in pubs, clubs and casinos.
Introduces limits on the number of machines and regulates the distribution of income.
Requires mandatory compliance with the standards of responsible play.

1. 3. Wagering Act 1998

Regulates sports betting, horse racing and betting.
Determines the licensing procedure for bookmakers and the conditions for their activities.

1. 4. Lotteries Act 1997

Establishes rules for public and private lotteries, including charity draws.
Requires transparency in the distribution of prizes and reporting of organizers.

1. 5. Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) - federal law

Prohibits offering online casinos and interactive games to Australian players.
Allows online betting and sweepstakes through licensed operators.
Gives ACMA authority to block illegal sites.

2. Role of OLGR

Issues and renews licenses for all types of gambling business in QLD.
Conducts checks for compliance with the requirements of the law.
Monitors the implementation of measures to prevent gambling addiction.

3. Basic requirements for operators

Conduct identity checks (KYC) and customer funding sources.
Compliance with AML/CTF regulations.
Restricting access to gambling for under-18s.
Maintain detailed financial statements and payment reports.

4. Liability for violations

Fines, suspension or revocation of license.
Prosecution for organising illegal gambling.
Blocking illegal online platforms by federal authorities.

Conclusion:
  • Queensland's legal regulation of gambling relies on a number of specialist state and federal laws. This structure allows you to separately control casinos, slot machines, bets, lotteries and online formats, ensuring a balance between the development of the industry and the protection of the interests of players.