Winghaus undertakes to remove ‘Ladbrokes Lounges’ from Bowen Hills and CBD venues
PUBLIC STATEMENT
From the Commissioner of Liquor and Gaming Regulation Queensland
On 9 January 2024, charges were brought against UPG in the Brisbane Magistrates Court pursuant to the Liquor Act 1992 and Interactive Gambling (Player Protection) Act 1998.
UPG is the operator and liquor licensee of Winghaus, which has premises at Bowen Hills and the Brisbane CBD. It was promoting a betting service through the provision of a 'Ladbrokes Lounge' and providing access to the Ladbrokes betting platform via QR codes, prominently displayed in its venues. The QR codes would take customers to a Ladbrokes website or app where betting could take place.
While UPG is a liquor licensee, it does not have a gaming licence and is prohibited from allowing its premises to be used for betting or advertising interactive gambling under the relevant legislation.
UPG has now undertaken to cease advertising and promoting Ladbrokes at its premises and refrain from doing so in future. Due to this appropriate and reasonable undertaking, the Commissioner has determined that the prosecution of Winghaus will be discontinued.
If UPG acts in contravention of its undertaking and continues or recommences its conduct with respect to Ladbrokes or any other online betting platform, the Commissioner will commence further prosecution of UPG.
The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation remains strongly of the view that Ladbrokes Lounges in licensed premises are unlawful and will continue to take enforcement action against any venue that continues to promote Ladbrokes or any other online betting platforms. The Commissioner has written to the broader hospitality industry outlining that this activity is viewed as unlawful and will be subject to enforcement action if identified.
For more information about Queensland’s liquor and gaming compliance regulations, contact liquorcompliance@justice.qld.gov.au or gamingcompliance@justice.qld.gov.au.
For media enquiries, contact HPRmedia@justice.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3738 8614.