Yapper Valley Pet Resort competition unlawful in Queensland
A competition offering ownership of a pet resort in North Queensland as a major prize has been considered ‘unlawful’ by Queensland’s liquor and gaming regulator.
The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) investigation found that the Win a pet lover’s dream competition being conducted by the owners of the Yapper Valley Pet Resort at Woodstock, Townsville, did not hold a licence to run the competition in Queensland.
OLGR Acting Executive Director David McKarzel said the competition was considered a Category 3 game in Queensland, a game which required a licence.
“Our investigation deemed the promotion did not comply with the Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999,” Mr McKarzel said.
“A licence was not held and it is unlikely that one would have been issued because the competition was not for a charitable purpose, but for private gain.
“Further, the terms and conditions of the competition included that if not enough entries were sold, the major prize of the pet resort would not be delivered and would be substituted for a lesser prize.”
Mr McKarzel said a Supreme Court judge had today made an order by consent, requiring the promoter to remove Queensland residents from the competition and provide refunds.
“After several unsuccessful attempts to convince the promoter to remove Queensland residents from the competition and refund their entries, OLGR had no other option than to file an application in the Supreme Court seeking injunctive and other relief in respect to the competition,” he said.
‘We’re pleased with the court’s order today following our application.
“This order now means the promoter is to remove all Queensland residents from the competition and refund, in full, the entry fees paid by Queensland residents.
“The Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999 exists to maintain and protect the integrity of charitable and non-profit gaming in Queensland.
“It is also in place to maintain public confidence and trust in buying tickets in games as a worthwhile way of supporting fundraising activities.”
Any person or organisation wishing to conduct a competition in Queensland where winners are determined entirely or partly by chance should familiarise themselves with the requirements of the Charitable and Non-Profit Gaming Act 1999. Further information on competitions, raffles, bingo and other charitable games can be found at www.business.qld.gov.au/liquor-gaming.