1. Purpose and Scope
This policy sets out the identity verification requirements that apply to all customers of The Star Brisbane Casino. These procedures are required under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) and are administered in line with guidance issued by AUSTRAC, the Australian regulator responsible for customer identification standards in the gambling sector.
Identity verification is a mandatory step in the account process. No designated gambling service will be provided and no account will be created until the applicable customer identification procedures (ACIP) have been fully completed. This requirement applies to all new accounts and reflects the AUSTRAC rules that took effect on 29 September 2024.
2. Legal Basis
The Star Brisbane Casino operates under the AML/CTF Act and is subject to the customer identification obligations imposed on gambling service providers. The gambling sector is recognised under this framework as carrying elevated risk for money laundering and terrorism financing. Customer identification is therefore treated as a prerequisite to service, not an optional or deferred step.
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and relevant state and territory licensing conditions also inform how identity verification is applied across different service types. Customers are required to be at least 18 years of age. Where verification confirms that a customer is under 18, the account will be closed immediately.
3. When Verification Is Required
Identity verification must be completed before any of the following occur:
- An account is created
- Any designated gambling service is accessed
- Any withdrawal is processed
Customers who have not completed identity verification will not be able to access account functions or transact until the process is finalised. There is no grace period or provisional access window for accounts opened under current rules.
4. Information and Documents Required
To complete identity verification, customers must provide accurate personal details and supporting documentation. The information collected is used to confirm identity, date of birth, and residential address.
4.1 Personal Information
Customers are required to submit their full legal name, date of birth, and current residential address at the time of registration. This information is matched against authoritative data sources as part of the verification process.
4.2 Primary Identity Document
One of the following government-issued photo identity documents is required:
- Australian driver’s licence or permit - issued under state or territory law
- Australian passport - current or recently expired within the accepted timeframe
- Foreign passport - must contain a photograph and unique identifier
- Age proof card - issued by a recognised authority
- National identity card - must contain a photograph and signature or unique identifier
Documents must be valid, clearly legible, uncropped, and show all four corners where applicable.
4.3 Proof of Address
Where automated data matching does not confirm residential address, a supporting document may be required. Accepted documents include a recent utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued correspondence. Documents used for address verification must generally be dated within 90 days.
4.4 Additional Verification
In certain circumstances, additional documentation may be requested. This may include proof of the source of funds or payment method verification, particularly where transaction activity meets thresholds that require enhanced due diligence under the AML/CTF framework. AUSTRAC guidance references heightened scrutiny for deposits above AUD 5,000 within a 24-hour period and designated services above AUD 10,000 on a single occasion.
5. Verification Process
The verification process follows a defined sequence:
- Step 1 - Registration: The customer provides personal details during account creation.
- Step 2 - Document submission: The customer uploads or submits the required identity document and, where applicable, proof of address.
- Step 3 - Automated check: Submitted information is matched against legitimate, high-quality data sources. Document authenticity is assessed and cross-referenced against the personal details provided.
- Step 4 - Biometric or liveness check: Depending on the risk profile and document type, a facial biometric or guided liveness check may be required. This is completed via the customer’s device camera following on-screen instructions.
- Step 5 - Screening: The customer’s details are checked against relevant watchlists, including sanctions and politically exposed persons (PEP) lists.
- Step 6 - Outcome: Where all checks are passed, the account is approved and services become accessible. Where checks cannot be completed automatically, the matter proceeds to manual review.
6. Verification Timeframes
Where automated systems complete all checks successfully, verification may be finalised immediately. Where manual review is required, the process may take up to 24 to 72 hours. Customers are advised not to commit funds that are required for immediate use until verification is confirmed.
If a customer is unable to complete online verification, the customer may be directed to submit a photograph of themselves holding an accepted identity document. Support is available to assist with this process.
7. Data Handling
Personal information and identity documents collected during verification are handled in accordance with applicable Australian privacy legislation and The Star Brisbane Casino’s Privacy Policy. Information is used solely for the purposes of identity verification, AML/CTF compliance, age confirmation, and fraud prevention. It is not used for marketing purposes.
Customers have the right to request access to personal information held about them and to seek correction of inaccurate data, subject to legal and regulatory retention obligations.
8. Ongoing Verification Obligations
Identity verification is not a one-time event. The Star Brisbane Casino maintains ongoing customer due diligence obligations under the AML/CTF Act. Customer information may be reviewed or updated at any point during the account relationship, particularly where changes in account activity or risk profile occur. Customers may be asked to resubmit documents or provide updated information in these circumstances.
9. Consequences of Non-Completion
Failure to complete identity verification will result in restricted account access. In particular:
- Account creation will not proceed until ACIP is completed
- Withdrawal requests will not be processed for unverified accounts
- Accounts where the customer is confirmed to be under 18 will be closed without exception
10. Responsible Gambling and Self-Exclusion
Identity verification procedures support responsible gambling obligations by enabling age confirmation and facilitating participation in national self-exclusion programs. BetStop is Australia’s national self-exclusion register for licensed bookmakers. Customers seeking assistance with gambling-related concerns may contact Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.
11. Contact
Customers with questions about the identity verification process or the status of their verification should contact The Star Brisbane Casino through the support channels listed on the official website. Queries relating to personal information handling may be directed to the privacy contact details set out in the Privacy Policy.