Australia
ACMA Warns Public About Online Gambling Scams
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has warned the public to be wary of suspicious messages pretending to be from online gambling websites and not to disclose personal information to potential scammers offering credit or free spins.
ACMA spokeswoman Fiona Cameron says people should delete the emails if they receive any, and do not respond or click on any links.
“There’s no such thing as free money. Don’t let yourself be conned into believing you have any credit or bonuses with these casinos – you don’t,” she said.
“This is just a phishing expedition to steal your identity or infect your computer with malicious malware. Remember if it looks too good to be true, it probably is,” she added.
More than 6000 online gambling scams have been reported since the start of the year. The most common websites the scams claim to be from are Roo Casino, Pokie Spins, Bonza Spins and Syndicate Casino.
Australia
Australia’s Minister for Communications Appoints Mr Richard Eccles to Lead the First Statutory Review of BetStop
The Minister for Communications has appointed Mr Richard Eccles to lead the first statutory review of BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register.
Implemented by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, BetStop covers all Australian licensed interactive wagering service providers, prohibiting them from opening a new account or accepting bets from self‑excluded individuals, or sending them marketing material. Wagering providers are also required to close existing betting accounts for registered individuals.
Wagering has been identified to cause financial harm and impacts to relationships, physical health, mental health and work performance.
Registering for BetStop, and ceasing wagering, can assist in reducing the extent of these harms to individuals and their community. Since its commencement in August 2023, more than 30,000 Australians have registered. Notably, 79% of registrants are aged 40 and under and 39% have registered for a lifetime ban. Some 23,000 people have active exclusions.
Based on BetStop registrations to date, and evidence from similar programmes, lifetime registrations for BetStop could have achieved a total cost saving of between $80-$135 million in the first year.
The review will add to the evidence base on the impacts of BetStop in Australia and voluntary exclusion programmes to help inform future policy.
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 requires a review of BetStop after 12 months of operation to ensure it is working effectively as a measure to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling harm.
An experienced senior public sector leader, Mr Eccles brings a strong mix of governance, executive management and advisory expertise to the role, along with relevant experience in the areas of public health, online safety and technology.
The review will consider the effectiveness of BetStop’s underpinning regulatory framework and whether regulatory arrangements under the the Interactive Gambling (National Self-Exclusion Register) Register Rules 2022 and the National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Act 2019 are fit for purpose.
A consultation process will open later in 2024 which will enable feedback to be provided that can be considered to inform any future changes. Mr Eccles will deliver his final review report and findings to the Minister for Communications within 18 months, and this report will be tabled in Parliament.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“There has been a massive take-up of BetStop in its first 12 months, making a meaningful difference and changing the lives of thousands of Australians and their families.
“We want to make sure BetStop is working as effectively as possible to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling harms – which is why my department is undertaking this review.
“I encourage people who’ve registered or interacted with BetStop to participate in our upcoming public consultation so we can take on your feedback to inform any future changes.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP:
“Preventing and reducing online gambling harms is a priority for this government, and we’ve taken a number of strong actions to this end.
“This review is an opportunity to ensure that BetStop – a key measure – is operating effectively.
“Protecting vulnerable Australians from online gambling harms is not a set and forget proposition – and we’ll continue to work closely with stakeholders across government, industry and community to address this pervasive issue.”
The post Australia’s Minister for Communications Appoints Mr Richard Eccles to Lead the First Statutory Review of BetStop appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
IAG’s Andrew W Scott Announced as Latest Conference Chair for 2025 Regulating the Game Conference in Sydney
Leading gambling law and regulation conference Regulating the Game has announced IAG’s Vice Chairman and CEO Andrew W Scott as the second Conference Chair for its 2025 edition, to be held in Sydney from 10 to 13 March 2025.
With extensive expertise in the gaming sector, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the conference, guiding discussions and engaging participants in critical industry topics.
His career in the gaming industry spans nearly four decades, during which he has established himself as a media publisher, commentator, and journalist. He founded Macau gaming media and events company O MEDIA in 2009, of which Inside Asian Gaming is the flagship publication.
On 7 October 2024 at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, Inside Asian Gaming and US-based gaming publication CDC Gaming announced a merger expected to complete on 31 December 2024. From 1 January 2025 the two companies will combine under a newly founded corporate parent, Complete Media Group, with Andrew at the helm as CEO. The newly merged group will cover the gaming industry in the Middle East, all of Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Pacific, the US, Canada and Latin America.
Andrew has led numerous social and professional industry events including the Asian Gaming Power 50 Black Tie Gala Dinner, the IAG Academy Summit and the IAG Academy IR Awards.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Andrew said: “I’m delighted to chair a day at the Regulating the Game Conference. This event is a crucial platform for advancing important conversations in the gaming industry, particularly in the Australia and New Zealand markets, and I look forward to contributing to discussions that shape the future of regulation and innovation.”
Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch, added: “We are thrilled to have Andrew join us as a Conference Chair. His vast industry experience and global perspective will be invaluable in fostering insightful discussions at the 2025 conference.”
The Regulating the Game conference is a flagship event that aims to bridge the gap between regulators, industry professionals and stakeholders. The conference is dedicated to introducing expert content, inspiring discussion and debate about policy and sector issues, and driving innovation to support efficient and effective gambling regulation. Now in its fifth edition, Regulating the Game continues to attract speakers and attendees from around the world, solidifying its status as a pivotal event for those shaping the future of the industry.
The post IAG’s Andrew W Scott Announced as Latest Conference Chair for 2025 Regulating the Game Conference in Sydney appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Crown Fined $2 Million for Self-exclusion Breaches
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined Crown Melbourne $2 million for allowing 242 people who had self-excluded from gambling to place bets at the casino over an 8-month period between October 2023 and May 2024.
VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn said: “It is an offence under the Casino Control Act 1991 (Vic) to allow an excluded person, including anyone who has self-excluded, to enter, remain or gamble in the casino. It also contravenes Crown Melbourne’s obligation to protect people at risk of gambling harm.
“Those who self-exclude must be able to trust that gambling providers will take all reasonable steps to enforce their decision to avail themselves of this harm prevention initiative.
“By allowing people who have self-excluded to enter the casino and gamble, Crown has put them at risk of experiencing further gambling harm. However, it is also clear that a number of these self-excluded patrons are going to considerable lengths to avoid detection and break their exclusion requirements.”
The self-exclusion breaches were detected through VGCCC’s ongoing monitoring of the casino’s operations. The Commission determined the breaches were due to system and control failures rather than deliberate or egregious disregard by Crown of its regulatory obligations.
“Accordingly, the Commission has issued a direction to Crown to engage an independent expert to assess the effectiveness of, and make recommendations for improving, the management of its self-exclusion program. In due course, Crown will be required to implement the independent expert’s recommendations,” Ms Thorn said.
In April this year, the Commission directed Crown Melbourne to implement a transformation plan to continue its reform and remediation following the findings of the Finkelstein Royal Commission.
The Commission acknowledges Crown has taken some steps to strengthen its controls for policing exclusion orders, and introduced measures to improve its monitoring activities, physical security, use of technology and training of staff.
“The VGCCC is committed to ensuring Crown continues its reform efforts,” Ms Thorn said.
The post Crown Fined $2 Million for Self-exclusion Breaches appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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