This can be contrasted to the expansion of cashless gaming in Australia for poker machines in response to the identification of concerns related to AML and CTF. Until that time, the potential use of digital currencies had been under consideration in the NT. In addition, a number of Corporate Bookmakers have recently been required by AUSTRAC to appoint independent auditors to assess their AML/CTF compliance, with one subsequently entering into an enforceable undertaking with AUSTRAC. 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. All gambling-related licences issued by a state or territory are subject to strict requirements relating to responsible gambling and harm minimisation. Similarly, a skill game with no element of chance is also not considered gambling and does not require any licence, unless it is operated online and falls within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes regulated by state and territory gambling regulators. Bingo is often regarded as minor gaming and may be conducted for fundraising or charitable purposes, typically by a community or other not-for-profit organisation. In relation to hotels and clubs, a venue requires both a gaming venue licence and also a permit/licence for each gaming machine a venue operates. Corporate Bookmakers typically also offer ‘totalisator-derivative’ or ‘tote odds’ type betting. Sometimes an On-course Bookmaker will be licensed to offer fixed-odds betting on racing only. Corporate Bookmakers offer fixed-odds betting online and over the telephone on sport, racing and other approved events, whereas On-course Bookmakers offer fixed-odds betting on-course and, subject to approval, also over the telephone and in some instances online on similar events as a Corporate Bookmaker. Corporate Bookmakers are commonly licensed in the NT, whereas On-course Bookmakers (which may have online operations) are licensed in the relevant state or territory. 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. There are often strict local government planning requirements that must be met in relation to gaming machines. Hotels and clubs hold a venue operator’s licence and a permit/licence to operate each gaming machine within the licensed premises. Retail operations are typically conducted using authorised agents and licensing distribution arrangements. 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? Set out below is a list of the primary legislation governing gaming, betting, lotteries and social/skill arrangements for each Australian state/territory, as well as at the federal level. Retail Wagering Operators, Corporate Bookmakers and On-course Bookmakers are also required to pay race field fees/product fees to racing controlling bodies and sports controlling bodies, respectively, in relation to bets taken on their product. 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. The state and/or territory taxes that apply to gambling products depend upon the relevant licence under which the product is being offered, the type of product and also the jurisdiction in which the product is offered. In addition to the compulsory responsible gambling messages and warnings, it is an offence to advertise an inducement to open a betting account or to refer another person to open a betting account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently. It’s important to note that licensed online casinos must adhere to strict rules and regulations set by their country of jurisdiction, including adhering to minimum gambling age requirements. There has been significant growth in this area with various business models implemented (including ‘membership-style’ businesses) which have been investigated by regulatory authorities and are the subject of litigation in the SA. In a land-based context, the Victorian regulator has been particularly active in targeting underage gambling in pubs and clubs in particular – a practice that is illegal in all Australian jurisdictions. Despite these efforts, it is understood that Australians continue to transact in high volumes with offshore licensed and unlicensed gambling operators using virtual private networks and similar technologies. Brisbane casino gaming centers around Treasury Brisbane, a heritage-listed complex that spans two beautifully restored historic buildings in the heart of the city. Games like roulette, blackjack and poker are thoroughly enjoyable, and when cash is on the line, it often makes it all that more exciting. Australia is consistent with it’s laws and rules relating to activities and actions considered to be adult-based, such as drinking alcohol, gambling, voting and being prosecuted by the law – actions which are widely accepted to have the need to be regulated based on age. In Britain, the age limit is also set at 18, although exceptions do exist for national lotteries and scratch-cards, where those who are 16 or older can partake in such betting. With many foreign casinos choosing to continue to service the Australian market, there are still choices available to Aussie residents who want to play online, with the risk completely on the operator. The technicality here is there is nothing in the IGA amendments that punishes Australian players who continue to frequent offshore casino sites. Treasury Brisbane stands as Brisbane’s crown jewel in casino gaming, offering a remarkable blend of historic elegance and modern entertainment options. Understanding Queensland’s gambling regulations is essential for anyone looking to enjoy casino gaming in the state. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on employees should the company enter voluntary administration. Recent headlines indicate that Star’s partners in the Queen’s Wharf development—Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium—have offered to buy out its share of the project. The company employs approximately 9,000 people across these states, including 3,000 in Brisbane alone, making its stability crucial to the local economy. Star is currently seeking a financial lifeline to stave off potential collapse after becoming embroiled in scandals involving criminal infiltration and money laundering across its Queensland and New South Wales properties. Star Entertainment Group serves as the primary operator of casino gaming in Brisbane, managing Treasury Brisbane as well as properties on the Gold Coast and in Sydney. At the time of writing, casino licensees in NSW and Qld have been deemed unsuitable to hold the licences issued in those jurisdictions. Enforcement action by the ACMA is also likely to continue following the implementation of various legislative changes, including in relation to illegal gambling sites and following the recent commencement of the NSER. The use of digital currencies (including cryptocurrency) for gambling purposes is not common in the jurisdiction and, in the case of online wagering and betting, was expressly prohibited following amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act in 2024. Are there any specific licensing or operational requirements for operators accepting digital currencies (including cryptocurrencies)? Under the AML/CTF Act, certain gambling activities are classified as ‘designated services’ and, as such, reporting entities are required, among other things, to register with AUSTRAC, develop and maintain a compliant AML/CTF Program and report certain transactions to AUSTRAC, including by way of TTRs and SMRs. Included in this are restrictions at a state and territory level in relation to gambling advertising and also inducements to open an account and, in some jurisdictions, to gamble or to gamble more frequently. Each of Australia’s eight mainland states and territories separately regulates gambling activities within each of their respective jurisdictions. Any skill games and competitions with no element of chance are not typically regarded as gambling, but may fall within certain ‘interactive gaming’ regimes when operated online and be regulated by state and territory gambling regulators. Such sweepstakes games can be differentiated from ‘trade promotion lotteries’ which are common in the jurisdiction. Unlike other jurisdictions, sweepstakes models which involve redemptions outside the platform are not operated in this jurisdiction (at least in any overt manner). In addition to casinos, poker is also played in hotels and clubs without generally being regulated in the same manner as a traditional casino table poker game, provided no third party (i.e. the venue owner/operator or tournament organiser) gains a percentage or share of any amount gambled. Poker is typically played within casinos and is regulated as a table game by the state and territory gambling regulators detailed below. Please visit thestarbrisbane.com.au" suggesting potential temporary closures or rebranding, but ongoing operations are expected to continue serving customers.