1. Purpose and Scope
This document sets out the responsible gaming policy of The Star Brisbane Casino. It defines the obligations of The Star Brisbane Casino as a licensed gambling operator, the rights and responsibilities of persons who access gambling services at this venue, and the procedures in place to minimise gambling-related harm in accordance with applicable Australian law.
This policy applies to all persons who gamble at The Star Brisbane Casino, whether in person or through any service channel operated by or on behalf of the venue. It is consistent with the requirements of Queensland gambling regulation and the broader national framework for harm minimisation established under Commonwealth and state legislation.
2. Legal Framework
Gambling in Australia is regulated at the state and territory level. The Star Brisbane Casino operates under a licence issued by the relevant Queensland gambling regulator and is required to comply with all applicable state gambling laws and harm minimisation obligations.
Online gambling services in Australia are additionally subject to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA), administered at the Commonwealth level by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Under the IGA, credit cards are prohibited as a payment method for online gambling services. This restriction applies to all online gambling transactions and is a mandatory legal requirement, not a discretionary policy.
The Australian Government Department of Social Services coordinates national gambling harm minimisation services, including the National Gambling Helpline and Gambling Help Online, which are referenced throughout this policy as primary support channels.
3. Minimum Age Requirement
Participation in gambling at The Star Brisbane Casino is restricted to persons aged 18 years or older. This requirement is established by law and is not subject to exception. The Star Brisbane Casino reserves the right to request proof of age from any person seeking to access gambling services. Persons who are unable to provide satisfactory evidence of age will be refused access to gambling areas and services.
4. Responsible Gaming Principles
Gambling carries inherent financial and personal risk. Gambling is intended to be a form of entertainment and is not a method of generating income, resolving financial difficulties, or recovering prior losses.
The following principles underpin this policy:
- Gambling should be conducted within pre-defined personal limits of time and money.
- Persons should gamble only with funds they can afford to lose without affecting their financial obligations or personal wellbeing.
- Gambling should not take priority over personal, professional, or family responsibilities.
- Persons who experience difficulty controlling their gambling behaviour are encouraged to seek assistance through the support services listed in this document.
5. Operator Obligations
The Star Brisbane Casino is required under Queensland gambling law and applicable national standards to implement harm minimisation measures. These obligations include the following.
5.1 Information and Transparency
The Star Brisbane Casino provides clear information about the risks associated with gambling, including the probability of financial loss. Responsible gaming messages are displayed in gambling areas in accordance with regulatory requirements.
5.2 Venue Controls
In accordance with applicable law, The Star Brisbane Casino applies the following venue-level controls:
- Clocks are displayed in gaming areas to assist patrons in monitoring the time they spend gambling.
- Credit is not extended to patrons for the purpose of gambling.
- Large gaming machine wins are paid by cheque in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- ATMs are located outside gaming areas.
- Inducements designed to encourage excessive play, including free alcohol provided in connection with gambling activity, are restricted in accordance with applicable rules.
5.3 Staff Training
Staff employed in gambling areas at The Star Brisbane Casino receive training to identify indicators of problem gambling and to respond appropriately, including by providing information about support services and, where required, initiating harm minimisation procedures.
6. Self-Exclusion
The Star Brisbane Casino operates a self-exclusion program. Any person who believes their gambling behaviour is causing harm may apply to be excluded from gambling areas and services at this venue.
Self-exclusion is a formal process. Once a self-exclusion agreement is in place, the excluded person is prohibited from entering designated gambling areas. The Star Brisbane Casino will take reasonable steps to enforce self-exclusion in accordance with its obligations under Queensland law.
Persons who are self-excluded will not be targeted with gambling-related marketing or promotional communications for the duration of their exclusion.
Persons wishing to apply for self-exclusion should contact venue staff directly or request information from the responsible gaming team at the venue.
7. Player Tools and Limit Setting
The Star Brisbane Casino supports patrons in managing their gambling activity. Patrons are encouraged to establish personal limits before commencing gambling. Where applicable tools are available through venue systems, patrons may set limits on the duration or expenditure of their gambling sessions.
Patrons are advised to:
- Decide on a fixed budget before gambling and not exceed it.
- Set a time limit for each gambling session.
- Avoid attempting to recover losses by continuing to gamble beyond pre-set limits.
- Take regular breaks during gambling sessions.
8. Advertising and Marketing Standards
Gambling-related communications issued by or on behalf of The Star Brisbane Casino are required to comply with applicable advertising standards. These standards prohibit representations that gambling is a reliable source of income or a solution to financial problems. Advertising must not target minors or persons who are self-excluded.
9. Support Services
The Star Brisbane Casino directs persons experiencing gambling-related harm to the following support services. These services are independent of The Star Brisbane Casino and are provided free of charge.
National Gambling Helpline
Phone: 1800 858 858
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, professional, and confidential supportGambling Help Online
Online counselling and information for persons experiencing gambling harm
Accessible via the Australian Government Department of Social Services gambling resourcesGambling Help Line Queensland
Phone: 1800 222 050
Free, confidential telephone supportLifeline (General Crisis Support)
Phone: 13 11 14
Persons who are concerned about their own gambling or the gambling behaviour of someone they know are encouraged to contact any of the above services.
10. Complaints and Policy Inquiries
Persons who wish to raise a concern related to the application of this responsible gaming policy may do so by contacting The Star Brisbane Casino directly through the venue’s customer service team. Complaints will be handled in accordance with the venue’s complaints procedure and applicable regulatory requirements.
11. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains consistent with applicable Queensland and Commonwealth gambling laws, regulatory guidance, and harm minimisation standards. Updates to this policy take effect from the date of publication.