Hold on. This isn’t the usual “no photos” list you skim and forget. Read the next two paragraphs and you’ll leave with a working checklist and camera settings you can use tonight. I’ll also unpack what Evolution Gaming actually lets you shoot — useful if you’re planning content, reporting, or just preserving a night out. This article avoids fluff: immediate takeaways first, then the why and the edge cases.
Here are the quickest practical benefits up front: what you can shoot, what to ask for, and a basic legal check you must perform before pressing the shutter. Short version — never assume permission inside a casino or a broadcast studio; always check signage and ask staff; expect stricter rules for live-dealer areas. I’ll show sample wording for permission requests, give camera and phone settings for low light table play, and share two short case studies: one in a Melbourne casino and one with a live-streamed dealer session. If you want a single resource to bookmark for content shoots, keep the Quick Checklist below and the comparison table for gear.
Why photography rules matter (short, practical reasons)
Wow. Privacy, safety, and commercial rights collide inside gambling venues. Players expect discrete gameplay and venues protect identity and anti-fraud procedures; staff protect game integrity and surveillance lines. Studios and broadcasters control IP: the look and feel of their live feeds are licensed assets and often restricted. Ignoring rules can get you banned, have images removed from platforms, or trigger takedowns for violating broadcast agreements.
Basic permission workflow — three steps you can use right now
Hold on — don’t just assume a friendly nod means “permission granted.” Step 1: spot signage and read house rules as you enter; many casinos post “no photography” or restricted-area notices. Step 2: if the area is not explicitly covered, ask front desk or pit manager and request written or emailed permission for clarity. Step 3: if you plan to publish commercially (blog, YouTube, paid shoot), request a simple release that mentions venue name, date, and scope; request a copy of their media policy. Long form: always retain written permission and, when using images of identifiable people, get their consent or blur faces — this reduces legal exposure under privacy and data rules in Australia.
Evolution Gaming — what they actually permit (short review of policies and studio realities)
Hold on — Evolution is not a casino, it’s a live casino supplier with studio rules that are stricter than most bricks-and-mortar floors. Their feeds are licensed to operators; studios operate under NDAs and broadcaster agreements, so independent photography of branded live tables is typically disallowed. In practice, what you can do: (a) photograph outside the studio, b-roll of lobby areas, or public-facing marketing displays with permission; (b) capture your mobile screen of a game for personal non-commercial use in countries where allowed, but be mindful of operator T&Cs. If you’re covering Evolution as a journalist, request press credentials via the operator or Evolution’s press office — they often grant media kits and approved imagery instead of on-the-spot shooting.
Comparison table — shoot approach vs typical venue/studio policy
| Approach | Best for | Typical Policy | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone candid (discreet) | Personal memories, quick shares | Often allowed in public areas; banned at tables/studios | Pros: fast. Cons: risk of ban or delete request. |
| Mirrorless/DSLR with PR request | Creator content, editorial shoots | Requires written permission; limited studio access | Pros: high quality. Cons: needs lead time and releases. |
| Screen capture of streamed game | Game reviews, tutorials | Depends on operator T&Cs; often restricted for commercial use | Pros: easy. Cons: copyright takedowns likely. |
| Press kit / supplied assets | Journalism, blogs | Preferred by suppliers like Evolution; free use with attribution | Pros: safe/legal. Cons: less originality. |
Middle-ground recommendation (where the resource link sits)
Alright — if you need stock imagery, or want to check a venue’s promo materials and official screenshots rather than risk a takedown, request the operator’s media kit first; this saves time and preserves relationships. For many AU-facing operators the media kit will include usable images and captions and will also outline legal use. If you’re researching independent casinos or platforms and want a practical place to check example promo assets and demo images, you can reference official operator pages — for a quick look at typical promotional creative and game thumbnails click here as a starting point for what to expect from an AU-oriented offering. Long-form: treat that link as a pattern-check — compare their imagery and terms to the written permission you were given.
Technical settings and practical camera tips (for low-light tables and live-stream screens)
Hold on — low light is the norm, not the exception. Use a fast lens: f/1.8 or faster is ideal for indoor shots without flash. ISO: start at 800–1600 on modern mirrorless; on older sensors limit to 800 to avoid noise. Shutter: 1/125s is a safe baseline for stills of seated players; bump shutter to 1/250–1/320s if there’s motion (dealer shuffles, card reveals). White balance: tungsten or auto with a custom Kelvin (3000–3500K) often renders table green and warm tones correctly.
Use RAW if you want to recover highlights from screens and shutter reflections later. If flash is allowed, use bounce or an off-camera soft source; direct flash creates harsh reflections on chip trays and acrylic screens. For phone shooters: enable manual exposure (Pro mode), lock exposure on the dealer’s hands or table felt, and stabilize with a mini-gimbal or lean on a rail. Long sentences: when shooting through glass (studio windows) switch to polarizer where possible and place lens close to the glass to reduce double reflections.
Case study A — Melbourne casino night (hypothetical, but realistic)
Wow. I photographed a small group at a private blackjack table at a Melbourne venue (hypothetical). The manager initially said no photography near gaming, but after an email request with intended uses and a signed release they allowed ten minutes for B-roll and a posed winner shot. Rule learned: allow 48–72 hours lead time when the shoot is in a live area; managers consult security and surveillance teams. Result: clean publishable images, no friction, and an invite back for a broader editorial shoot once permissions and insurance were clarified.
Case study B — live-dealer stream conflict (hypothetical)
Hold on — a streamer captured an Evolution table feed and overlaid their commentary while the feed clearly displayed operator branding. Within 24 hours the clip received a DMCA takedown from the operator’s licensor, and the streamer’s account received a strike. The difference: the streamer used a direct capture of a licensed feed without permission. If you plan to clip live-dealer footage, email the operator and request explicit permission and brand-usage rules first; often they supply short-form clips for editorial use instead.
Quick Checklist — before you press record or take the first photo
- 18+ check: are you allowed to be at the gaming floor? (AU venues restrict minors.)
- Read signage on entry — if it says “no photography,” stop and ask.
- Ask staff — request written/email permission for commercial or promotional use.
- Obtain signed releases from identifiable people you plan to publish.
- Check operator T&Cs for screen captures of game feeds (Evolution and operators often prohibit).
- Keep a copy of any permission and reference it if security questions the shoot.
- If denied, use supplied media kits or operator-approved images.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Assuming “public” equals “free to publish” — avoid this; always verify commercial rights.
- Ignoring surveillance — large venues operate CCTV; never obstruct or tamper with cameras.
- Using unverified screen captures — operator feeds are copyrighted; obtain explicit permission first.
- Skipping releases for players — fix by carrying simple consent forms or blurring faces in post.
- Overlooking local law — in AU, venue policies and state privacy laws both matter; consult a local legal advisor for large commercial projects.
Tools and quick gear picks (simple comparison)
| Tool | Use case | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone (Pro mode) | Quick candids, social posts | Best for stealth; ensure stability and manual locking. |
| Mirrorless + fast prime (35mm/50mm f/1.4–1.8) | Low-light portraits, editorial | Balanced quality and size; fast focus and high ISO performance. |
| Compact flash (if allowed) | Key-lit portraits | Use modifiers; get manager approval first. |
| Capture card & screen-recording | Game footage capture | Legally sensitive — requires operator licensor permission. |
Mini-FAQ
Q: Can I photograph my winning tickets or account screen?
A: Short answer — be careful. Screens showing account IDs, balances, or KYC documents expose sensitive data; blur personal info. For jackpots, ask the cashier or PR team for an approved photo opportunity and a press release to avoid disputes.
Q: Are live dealer studio windows public spaces?
A: No. Studios are typically private and operate under broadcasting contracts. Always request studio/press access through the operator or the supplier’s press office; photography through glass is usually prohibited unless explicitly allowed.
Q: What if security asks me to delete photos?
A: If you lack written permission, comply on the spot to de-escalate. If you had permission, show the signed email or release; escalate politely to the manager. Document the interaction and retain copies of all permissions and correspondence.
Q: Can I livestream a floor game on social media?
A: Most venues and operators ban livestreaming of game surfaces and live tables because of game integrity and legal liability. Seek clear written consent before streaming; for editorial livestreams you’ll likely be directed to pre-approved areas or provided with B-roll.
Responsible gaming: If you’re visiting a casino for photography, remember venues are age-restricted — you must be 18+ (or 21+ where applicable). Do not photograph vulnerable individuals; if someone appears distressed, stop filming. For help with problem gambling in Australia visit the Gambler’s Help line (1800 858 858) or your state’s support service.
Final practical checklist before you publish
Hold on — one more sanity check. Verify written permission, confirm there are no logos or feeds under active license, blur faces or get releases, and confirm the operator is happy with the final usage. If you plan to monetize content that includes operator feeds (tutorials, paid streams), get a legal clearance; small creators often lose revenue to copyright claims because they skipped this step. Long sentence: when in doubt, use operator-supplied assets or credit their media kit and avoid screen captures of live feeds.
Sources
- https://www.acma.gov.au
- https://www.evolution.com
- https://www.ecogra.org
About the Author
Jordan Blake, iGaming expert. Jordan has 9 years’ hands-on experience producing editorial photography and content for AU casino operators and live-dealer studios; he combines practical studio workflows with regulatory know-how to help creators publish safely and ethically.