(Adopted August 2014; updated August 2021)

Principles

The Queensland Greens believe that:

1. Problem gambling is a serious public health issue that negatively affects individuals, families and communities.

2. Self regulation and voluntary codes of conduct have failed to protect the public interest. Government should act to minimize exploitation and to help people overcome gambling problems by implementing evidenced based regulation. 

3. Government has a conflict of interest as regulator and taxing authority. This conflict has interfered with good governance.

4. The state budget should not depend on gambling revenue and it should be phased out as a revenue source.

5. No new casino licences should be issued in Queensland.

Aims

The Queensland Greens will:

1. Ensure there is a substantial reduction in the proportion of the population with gambling problems, by:

    1.1. Phasing out poker machines;

    1.2. Setting a $1 bet limit per spin, $20 machine load up limits, and $500 jackpot limits on poker machines, as recommended by the Productivity Commission;

    1.3. Improving voluntary pre-commitment and mandatory pre-commitment for high technology machines;

    1.4. Capping winnings payable by a cashier at $250, with additional winnings being payable only by cheque;

    1.5. Banning the provision of cash withdrawal facilities and services at pokies venues;

    1.6. Banning incentives to gamble, including the provision of free food and drink;

    1.7. “Plain packaging” poker machines by:

           1.7.1. Removing lights and sounds from poker machines;

            1.7.2. Removing branding of poker machines;

           1.7.3. Mandating that all poker machines are to be a standard grey colour.

2. Ensure there is a systematic reduction in revenue derived from gambling, with set goals over time.

3. Introduce evidence based harm minimization and product safety measures to reduce the development of problem gambling and to assist gamblers to limit their expenditure.

4. Reform regulation and approval processes, including recognition and support for local Council and Community moratoriums on new gaming machines and gambling venues.

5. Introduce National Standards to avoid interstate 'competition' undermining proper regulation within states.

6. Establish a strong and genuinely independent statutory gambling regulator to minimise social and economic costs, and protect consumers and the public interest.

7. Reduce gambling promotion to children and in the media during children's viewing times. It should not be promoted at sporting events viewed by children.

8. Assess and address the full cost of gambling, including direct and indirect harm of problem gambling and gambling regulation, including the increased need for policing to address increased crime and money laundering.

9. Ban political donations from the gambling industry.