Brian Bauer
Acting Executive Director, OLGR
p: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Offshore gambling – don’t bet on it
If you’re tempted to use online offshore gambling services, be aware that not all gambling services are provided legally to Australians – some are prohibited.
Any online casino-style games, or online services that provide ‘in-play’ betting on sports events that are provided to Australians are operating illegally, as they are prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Even if the service looks legitimate, it’s unlikely to have the important customer protections you expect. You may have limited legal recourse if you run into difficulties obtaining winnings or recovering deposits.
Illegal interactive gambling services include:
- online casino-style games
- online slot machines
- online scratchies
- online services that provide ‘in-play’ betting on sports events.
- online wagering services not licensed by an Australian state or territory.
If you’ve been contacted by an offshore gambling operator, it’s likely to be an illegal service. You can report your concerns to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Go to www.acma.gov.au
ACMA takes action against illegal gambling operations and regularly receives complaints about illegal offshore gambling services. Here are examples of real complaints ACMA has received:
- I deposited money into my online casino account and quickly won nearly $5,000. I tried to withdraw the money by sending a photo of my MasterCard and passport. As I was doing this, I got logged out and my account was disabled.
- I won thousands on my online casino account and as requested I sent through all the documents. The casino replied advising me the ID was not clear and requested I send in another. I did this by sending in my new ID and also had it certified. But the casino advised that my documents have been tampered with and have confiscated my winnings. My documents have not been tampered with, I have provided what was required and had the ID certified also.
Top 4 Schoolies tips for licensees
Schoolies 2019 is about to kick-off in Queensland with Queensland school leavers celebrating from 16 to 23 November and interstate students following hot on their heels from 23 November to 1 December.
Our compliance officers will be active around Brisbane, Airlie Beach, and on the Sunshine and Gold coasts, with one area of focus being under 18’s in licensed premises.
Here are a few tips to help you and your staff ensure you do not serve or supply minors during this time of heightened risk.
1. Checking ID
While security may check ID at the door, there are circumstances under which minors are permitted to be at some venues, including community clubs, and there may be other times when a minor may sneak in. It’s therefore important you and your staff also check ID at the bar and throughout the premises where minors may be given alcohol by their mates. Staff should always ask for proof of age whenever they doubt a patron is 18 years or older.
2. Confiscating ID
If you suspect a person’s hard copy ID is not genuine, you and your staff must confiscate that ID. You must not confiscate a device on which you suspect a false digital ID is used, but instead record the details of the false ID. Download, complete and lodge an ID confiscation report to report false ID, be it hard copy or digital. When you confiscate hard copy ID like a driver licence or proof-of-age card, send the confiscated ID and your completed form to OLGR.
For more information about digital IDs go to
www.business.qld.gov.au and search for Digital ID.
3. Refresh RSA knowledge of minors and ID
A handy tool for all staff to access ahead of Schoolies is our Follow the Law online responsible service of alcohol (RSA) refresher.
We have web guides dedicated to the issue of minors being on licensed premises, each with fun animated clips and an interactive quiz. It doesn’t take long, so test your RSA knowledge now!
4. Display correct signage
Download and display signage to show your patrons what laws apply regarding under-age people, identification and supplying alcohol to minors at your licensed venue. Find more details at the Business Queensland website: www.business.qld.gov.au/liquor-gaming
Reminder - Ban on rapid intoxication drinks after 12am
Venues that are approved to trade past midnight cannot sell or supply rapid intoxication drinks after midnight.
Rapid intoxication drinks that have been prescribed in liquor legislation include:
- a drink served in a small glass or container that allows the drink to be consumed rapidly, such as shooters, shots, bombs, test tubes, jelly shots and other similar drinks
- a drink prepared on the premises that contains more than 45ml of spirits or liqueur
- a pre-mixed alcoholic drink containing more than 5% of ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or containing more ethanol than 2 standard drinks. A pre-mixed drink must fall within both the 5% alcohol by volume threshold and the 2 standard drinks threshold to be served after midnight. It does not include brewed or fermented alcoholic drinks (for example, beer and wine).
Cocktails are exempt from the ban on rapid intoxication drinks from midnight, provided the:
- cocktail is listed on a document (cocktail menu) prepared by the licensee and displayed on the premises listing the cocktails that may be sold in the venue
- price of the cocktail is listed on the cocktail menu
- cocktail is not sold for less than the amount specified on the menu from midnight and is not designed for rapid consumption (for example, cocktail shooters are not exempt).
Exemptions apply for some types of venue.
Read more details at
www.business.qld.gov.au under Ban on selling or supplying rapid intoxication drinks.