Australia
Victorian Govt Funds Six Research Projects Studying Gambling Behaviours During COVID-19

Australia’s Victorian state government will provide AU$600,000 in grants via the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation to support research into how the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns impacted the gambling behaviours of residents.
With a theme of “Gambling in Victoria in 2020 – COVID-19 and beyond,” the funding round provides grants to six research projects covering topics such as “Economic insecurity and gambling behaviors in Victoria in the COVID-19 society” and “How Victorian venue gamblers kept busy during COVID-19 venue closures: can substituted leisure activities reduce gambling urges and the risk of gambling harm?”
The six projects will each receive between AU$50,000 and AU$150,000 over the next three years with the findings slated to help the Foundation shape future initiatives and activities to prevent and reduce gambling harm in the Victorian community.
“The most recent publicly available data shows online race and sports betting increased by 30% compared to the same period the year before. It’s critical we understand and learn from these changes in gambling behaviour,” Shane Lucas, CEO of Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, said.
“We know that throughout the pandemic and the associated lockdown, some Victorians benefitted from an enforced break from in-venue gambling, while others found it incredibly challenging. To be able to plan and respond to gambling harm effectively, we need to know how COVID-19 affected gambling behaviors. This funding will be incredibly beneficial in understanding how those vulnerable to gambling were impacted by the pandemic,” Melissa Horne, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, said.
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Australia
VGCCC Fines Werribee RSL for Self-exclusion Failures

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Werribee RSL $30,000 for failing to prevent 2 self-excluded customers from gambling.
VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said: “This is the first time the VGCCC has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches.
“Self-exclusion programs empower people to manage their gambling by registering to be temporarily or permanently blocked from entering gambling areas of clubs, pubs and casinos.
“By failing to respect a person’s decision to self-exclude, a venue may put customers who have decided to take a break from gambling, or quit altogether, at risk of experiencing gambling harm.”
In January 2024, the VGCCC received an anonymous tip-off that a self-excluded person entered the Werribee RSL gaming room and used the poker machines. The venue self-reported a second breach in May 2024, after realising a different customer had gambled at the venue on at least 4 occasions between February and May 2024.
Ms Neilan said: “Taking disciplinary action is the last resort. We would prefer venues take their harm minimisation responsibilities seriously by complying with their legal obligations, including through the effective implementation of tools like self-exclusion.
“Venues and their staff are the last line of defence for self-excluded customers, who should be able to trust that their decision to self-exclude will be respected. They must have the appropriate controls in place to prevent self-excluded people from entering gaming rooms.”
The VGCCC acknowledged that Werribee RSL cooperated with the investigations and has since taken steps to strengthen its procedures. These include improved and regular staff training, daily audits of the self-exclusion register and greater use of technology to identify self-excluded customers who attempt to enter the gaming room.
This remedial action was taken into consideration in determining the amount of the fine.
The post VGCCC Fines Werribee RSL for Self-exclusion Failures appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
ACMA: ReadyBet Breaches Gambling Self-exclusion Rules

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued ReadyBet with a remedial direction after the company marketed to customers who had registered with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).
An ACMA investigation found ReadyBet sent 273 texts and push notifications from its mobile app to self-excluded individuals.
Separately, the company also failed to promote the NSER in 2342 push notifications despite it being mandatory to promote BetStop in any marketing electronic messages.
The ACMA issued the remedial direction so that ReadyBet takes action to prevent it breaching the rules in the future.
Under the remedial direction, ReadyBet must commission an independent review of its marketing systems, including its use of third-party suppliers.
ReadyBet must also engage a provider to deliver training to its staff to avoid messages being sent to self-excluded individuals.
The ACMA may seek civil penalties if ReadyBet does not comply with the remedial direction.
The post ACMA: ReadyBet Breaches Gambling Self-exclusion Rules appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Unibet Expands Partnership with Sydney Roosters to Support NRLW Team

Unibet Australia has expanded its partnership with the Sydney Roosters, now including sponsorship of the club’s NRLW team.
This milestone marks a significant step in Unibet’s commitment to gender parity in sport and the continued evolution of rugby league.
Building on a successful and long-standing relationship with the Roosters’ men’s team, this new chapter reflects Unibet’s dedication to supporting the growth of women’s sport and aligning with the values of equality, opportunity and community.
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with the Sydney Roosters to include the NRLW side. This isn’t just about sponsorship—it’s about recognising the incredible talent, passion, and professionalism of the women’s game and ensuring it receives the same backing and visibility as the men’s,” said General Manager Nathan Reeves
The NRLW has seen exponential growth in recent years, with increasing fan engagement, media coverage and grassroots participation. Unibet’s expanded support aims to help accelerate this momentum and provide the Roosters’ female athletes with the same elite-level resources and recognition.
Chief Operating Officer of the Sydney Roosters, Jarrod Johnstone, said: “Unibet has been a valued partner of our club for years, and their decision to support our NRLW team speaks volumes about their belief in the future of women’s rugby league. This partnership is a powerful statement about parity and progress.”
The Partnership was celebrated at the first game of the season where the Roosters defeated the Warriors 30-6. Unibet staff, friends and family attended the match welcoming the team on the field with a guard of honour.
Nicholas Porta, Unibet’s Head of Marketing, said: “Our staff work so hard in delivering our products it was a great way to give back and introduce new fans to the elite women’s game.”
Marketing Manager Belinda McNulty and the Roosters team have worked in the off season to ensure the partnership extends beyond the logo on playing kit with a launch race day, custom products for the players lounge and bespoke assets across LED and digital to engage fans and celebrate the achievements of the defending premiers.
The post Unibet Expands Partnership with Sydney Roosters to Support NRLW Team appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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