Even greater transparency for decisions about the Casino


Released 10/05/2018

The ACT Government will establish a new advisory panel to provide recommendations on the future operations of Canberra’s casino.

The Casino and Other Gaming Legislation Amendment Bill 2018, introduced to the Legislative Assembly today, will require the Minister to establish the Casino Advisory Panel in a range of circumstances.

Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the new panel would provide an unprecedented level of transparency and independence in relation to the regulation of casino gaming in the ACT.

“The Panel will ensure decision making about the ownership and gaming operations of the Casino is independently and expertly informed,” Minister Ramsay said.

“It will advise the Government on whether approval of any proposal to transfer ownership or operations of the Canberra Casino is in the public interest.

“It will also advise the Government on any future application to operate Electronic Gaming Machines or Fully Automated Table Games.

“As the Government has previously made clear, the owner of Canberra Casino will only be permitted to operate a maximum of 200 gaming machines and 60 fully-automated table games if it undertakes a substantial re-development of the Casino and precinct.”

The Panel’s oversight will be in addition to the role of the Gambling and Racing Commission, which will also provide advice to Government about regulatory compliance.

“The Government has a strong commitment to harm minimisation and I am actively working to reduce the impact of problem gambling in our community. We will also reduce the number of gaming machine authorisations by a fifth to 4000 by 2020,” Minister Ramsay said.

“These changes will ensure the Canberra community is better protected and supported to overcome the impacts of gambling harm.”

The Bill also outlines the requirements for social impact assessments relating to the casino. This includes the requirement to provide information about the proposed redevelopment of the casino and its surrounding precinct and expected community benefits.

- Statement ends -

Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases

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