Overview
This document sets out the identity verification requirements and procedures applied at The Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. These requirements exist in accordance with Queensland regulatory requirements governing casino operations and Australia’s federal Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act). The Reef Hotel Casino is a reporting entity under the AML/CTF Act and is legally obligated to identify and verify customers in specified circumstances. All persons interacting with The Reef Hotel Casino in a capacity that triggers verification obligations are required to comply with these procedures.
1. Legal Basis for Identity Verification
The Reef Hotel Casino operates under Queensland’s casino licensing regime and is subject to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 at the federal level. As a designated reporting entity, The Reef Hotel Casino is required to:
- Identify and verify customers in circumstances defined by law
- Monitor transactions for AML/CTF risk indicators
- Report suspicious matters and significant cash transactions to relevant authorities
- Maintain records of identification documentation collected
These obligations are not discretionary. Staff at The Reef Hotel Casino are authorised and required to request, collect, and verify identification documentation from customers where legal obligations or internal procedures demand it. Failure by a customer to provide required identification may result in the relevant transaction, service, or access being declined.
2. Circumstances Requiring Identity Verification
Identity verification at The Reef Hotel Casino is required in the following circumstances.
2.1 Card Play Membership
Membership cards under The Reef Hotel Casino’s Card Play program are issued only where The Reef Hotel Casino is satisfied that the applicant has provided acceptable proof of identity and place of residence, and that the applicant is at least 18 years of age. No membership card will be issued until these conditions are met. Photo identification may be requested at any point during card play and must be provided upon request.
2.2 Large Payouts
For any payout exceeding AUD 9,999, adequate identification must be provided before the payout is processed. This requirement applies regardless of the method of play or the nature of the gaming activity. This threshold reflects Australia’s AML/CTF requirements for significant cash transactions at casino facilities.
2.3 AML/CTF Risk-Based Checks
In circumstances where The Reef Hotel Casino’s AML/CTF risk assessment requires it, staff may request identification from any customer. This includes situations where a transaction pattern, customer behaviour, or other indicator creates an obligation to verify identity under the AML/CTF Act. These checks are conducted in accordance with the casino’s internal AML/CTF program.
2.4 Hotel Check-In
Guests checking in to the hotel component of the property are required to present a valid photo identification document and a credit card at the time of check-in. This requirement applies to all guests regardless of booking method or reservation status.
2.5 Employment Applications
Persons submitting employment applications through The Reef Hotel Casino’s official channels are required to provide appropriate proof of identity and expressly authorise The Reef Hotel Casino to conduct verification of that identity as part of the application process.
3. Acceptable Forms of Identification
The Reef Hotel Casino requires government-issued photo identification in circumstances where identity verification is triggered. Acceptable documents include, but may not be limited to:
- Australian driver’s licence
- Australian passport
- International passport
- Other government-issued photo identification documents
The specific documents accepted in a given circumstance may vary depending on the nature of the verification requirement. Where additional documentation is required to confirm place of residence or other details, staff will advise the customer of what is needed. All identification documents must be current and valid at the time of presentation.
4. Minimum Age Requirement
The Reef Hotel Casino does not permit persons under the age of 18 to participate in casino gaming activities or to hold a Card Play membership. Age verification is conducted as part of the identity verification process. Where a person cannot demonstrate that they are at least 18 years of age to the satisfaction of The Reef Hotel Casino, access to relevant services will be refused.
5. Data Collection and Use
Identification documentation collected by The Reef Hotel Casino in the course of identity verification is used for the purposes of:
- Fulfilling obligations under the AML/CTF Act
- Confirming eligibility for casino membership and gaming services
- Confirming minimum age requirements
- Verifying employment applicant identity where applicable
The collection, storage, and use of personal information provided during identity verification is subject to applicable Australian privacy legislation. The Reef Hotel Casino retains records of identification collected in accordance with its legal obligations under the AML/CTF Act, which prescribes minimum retention periods for such records.
6. Customer Obligations
Customers and guests of The Reef Hotel Casino are required to:
- Provide accurate and complete identification documentation when requested
- Cooperate with staff conducting identity verification procedures
- Not present false, altered, or fraudulent identification documents
- Provide identification for large payouts prior to collection of funds
- Meet minimum age requirements before accessing gaming services or membership programs
Presentation of false or fraudulent identification is a serious matter and may result in refusal of service, removal from the premises, and referral to relevant authorities.
7. Refusal of Service
The Reef Hotel Casino reserves the right to refuse service, decline a payout, cancel a membership application, or remove a person from the premises where:
- Satisfactory identification cannot be provided
- The person is unable to demonstrate they meet the minimum age requirement
- The identification presented is suspected to be false or invalid
- AML/CTF obligations require that a transaction not proceed
8. Responsible Gambling and Support
The Reef Hotel Casino supports responsible gambling in accordance with Queensland regulatory requirements. Persons seeking assistance with gambling-related concerns may contact the national Gambling Help Line on 1800 858 858. This service is available to all persons regardless of their location within Australia.
9. Contact and Further Information
For enquiries regarding identity verification requirements or procedures at The Reef Hotel Casino, contact the venue directly through the official website at reefcasino.com.au. Staff at the venue are available to assist with questions relating to documentation requirements prior to attendance where practicable.