New Regulations Introduced at Star Entertainment to Curb Excessive Gambling

In response to mounting pressure from government inquiries and community concerns regarding gambling addiction, Star Entertainment has announced stringent new regulations aimed at curbing excessive gambling habits among its patrons. 

Star Club Members Briefed on New Responsible Gambling Measures

Members of The Star Club have been briefed on the forthcoming changes, which include mandatory breaks for individuals engaged in poker machines or electronic gaming machines, reported Australian media outlet WAtoday. According to the revamped PlayBreak initiative, players must take a minimum 15-minute break every three hours to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged gambling sessions.

Additionally, swipe cards will be closely monitored to ensure that individuals do not exceed 28 hours of gambling within a seven-day period. Those found in breach of this limit may face exclusion from the premises for a duration of seven days.

For patrons engaged in table games, Star Entertainment recommends a break of at least 30 minutes after six hours of continuous play. Furthermore, guests will be restricted from gambling for more than 12 hours within a 24-hour period, after which they will be required to leave the premises for a mandatory 24-hour break.

These new regulations signify a departure from the previous approach, wherein staff merely recommended breaks to players. Now empowered to take direct action, Star Entertainment aims to enforce responsible gambling practices more effectively.

Star Entertainment Unveils Stricter Exclusion Policies and Remediation Plans

Under the revised policies, individuals who are excluded from the casino three times within a six-month period—whether for a 24-hour or 7-day period—may face a year-long exclusion from the premises.

While the specifics of the remediation plan are yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated that these measures align with the requirements outlined by the Queensland and NSW governments. Star Entertainment is expected to unveil further details regarding its comprehensive plan, comprising approximately 100 initiatives, in the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for Star emphasized the company’s commitment to restoring its suitability and accountability through a multi-year program. This announcement follows the recent completion of a $100 million penalty payment to the Queensland government and ongoing legal proceedings with Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing agency.

Additionally, Star Entertainment faces a critical six-month period to prove its ability to independently manage its operations in New South Wales, as the NSW regulator remains unsatisfied with its current oversight. The company’s license was suspended in 2022 due to regulatory failings, and it now must demonstrate significant progress in implementing remediation measures to avoid losing its license permanently.