A woman banned from Treasury Brisbane for excessive gambling has had the decision overturned after proving her financial security through a multi-million dollar inheritance.
Background of the Case
The woman, referred to as SB in court documents, was issued an exclusion direction in February 2023 by both Treasury Brisbane and Star Gold Coast.
They claimed SB was a regular patron with concerning habits, citing her frequent visits and the fact she was spending over 50 per cent of her annual income of $51,000, primarily from carer’s payments, on playing for stakes.
Between April 2022 and January 2023, SB reportedly lost $30,000 at Star Gold Coast. Staff members raised concerns over her spending habits and noted instances of emotional distress, including crying during interactions.
Despite this, SB argued her financial position was stable due to her inheritance, which included real estate valued between $2.8 million and $3.6 million.
Tribunal Decision
The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) overturned the bans in December 2024, ruling that SB’s overall financial health made her habits less of a risk than initially assessed. Tribunal member Michael Howe acknowledged that while her gaming appeared “excessive,” it did not meet the legislative criteria for harm or financial instability.
Howe noted that SB’s real estate holdings, though not liquid assets, contributed significantly to her wealth. He concluded there was no evidence of harm to herself or the community as a result of her gambling.
Records also showed that on 29 occasions, SB left the entertainment venues with her winnings instead of reinvesting them, suggesting some control over her behaviour.

Social and Emotional Context
SB described Treasury Brisbane and Star Gold Coast as her primary social outlet, particularly after the death of her aunt, with whom she frequently visited. She explained that visiting these venues helped her cope with loneliness and maintain friendships she had formed there. The tribunal recognised her reliance on these establishments for social connection but noted that SB’s communication about her financial circumstances could have been clearer.
Howe stated that Star Gold Coast acted responsibly by seeking financial information from SB but acknowledged that her partial disclosure contributed to the misunderstanding. He found no evidence of harm to any family members or community impact from SB’s gaming habits.
The case highlights the challenges betting venues face in balancing responsible gaming policies with the rights of patrons. The decision also underscores the importance of assessing an individual’s broader financial circumstances, rather than relying solely on liquid income, when implementing exclusion measures.
Published 14-January-2025
