·         The main purpose of gaming laws is to make sure that people gamble responsibly and reduce the negative effects of gambling on our society.

o   For example there are laws in place to protect children from being exposed to the gambling environment.

·         These laws are also designed to make sure that the gaming industry is run with integrity and honesty as well as to make sure the industry is kept free of criminal influence and exploitation.

·         Practices that could undermine public confidence in community and charitable gaming activities are also heavily monitored.

o   For example operators of bingo centres are usually able to provide commercial services to community or charitable organisations under a special licence.

• If you or your business wants to offer gambling services to members of the public then you must apply for a licence.

  • There are different types of gaming licences that you can apply for. The particular type of licence you will need depends largely on how you plan to operate your business.

• It is your responsibility to find out exactly how the law applies to your situation. You will need to make sure you continue to meet the requirements for your licence and run your business in accordingly.

• If you run your business and offer gaming services without the correct licence then you are not complying with your licensee obligations and may be committing an offence.

  • You are likely to receive a fine or sanction (penalty).

  • Offering restricted services without the correct licence is a serious offence. In some states and territories you may receive a fine or a jail sentence.

·         The gaming authorities in each state and territory make sure that large gambling licensees are held to the same standard as the smaller enterprise operators in the industry. This is because the operations of major gaming outlets not only affect the industry itself but also the wider community.