Australia
Westpac Expands Digital Gambling Block Feature for More Customers
Westpac Group has extended its digital gambling block feature to provide more ways for customers to restrict their spend with gambling merchants in real-time. The latest changes mean the digital feature will now be available for over two million St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne personal debit card customers.
The digital feature was made available earlier this year enabling customers with eligible cards to apply an instant block on certain gambling-related transactions through their mobile or online banking. When the gambling block is applied, transactions to certain gambling merchants including casinos, sports betting agencies and online gambling companies are instantly prevented.
Catherine Fitzpatrick, Director of Customer Vulnerability & Financial Resilience at Westpac, said: “Problem gambling continues to be a serious issue in Australian communities, and as more people transact online during the pandemic, the digital feature gives customers the ability to manage their gambling spend whenever they might need it.
“The benefits of being able to apply a block in real-time also it gives customers more control and flexibility in the moment.
“While the majority of customers are now using digital channels to complete their everyday banking tasks, our Customer Care team continues to remain available as another way for customers to call and have a block applied.”
As part of the latest updates, a gambling block is also now automatically applied to all Westpac Group debit cardholders under the age of 18 to help prevent underage gambling.
Lauren Levin, Director of Policy & Campaigns at Financial Counselling Australia said more people have become concerned about their finances and gambling during the pandemic.
“We are noticing the pandemic has led to a rise in people gambling more and worried about their money.
“The gambling block is a great idea. Research tells us that the more often a person gambles, the greater the risk of developing a gambling issue. The bank gambling block is an easy tool that will help a lot of people.
“We’d also see the feature being used by other household or family members as a preventative measure.
“We encourage anyone who is worried about their gambling to use features like Westpac’s gambling block, but also seek help. There are many doorways. You won’t be judged. Talk to a family member or friend, a professional, or speak to your bank for support,” Levin said.
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VGCCC has launched consultation on proposed reforms to the application process for Electronic Gaming Machine approvals in Victoria.
“Our Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) application process for new premises approvals under section 3.3.6 and EGM increase applications under section 3.4.17 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 is undergoing a significant uplift to align with modern expectations, recent legislative change, and our strengthened mandate to minimise gambling harm. It also intends to reduce red tape by ensuring applicants focus on priority factors that commonly determine the suitability of an application,” VGCCC said.
VGCCC is inviting feedback from all stakeholders — including, but not limited to, industry participants, councils, experts and community organisations — to provide feedback on:
• the clarity and practicality of the revised application and hearing processes
• ambiguities, redundancies or gaps in the revised application form and practice notes
• any other opportunities to improve the application and hearing process.
Consultation period closes on 19 December 2025.
The post VGCCC: EGM Application Improvements Consultation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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New survey figures from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has revealed that around four in five people (77%) who have registered for self-exclusion from online and phone wagering services experience a better overall quality of life.
The ACMA-commissioned research into user experience with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register also found 79% of registrants experienced improved mental health and 69% experience better personal relationships with family, friends and partners.
Almost all (96%) of registrants surveyed also said that they had either completely stopped betting on sports or racing events (81%) or had decreased their betting (15%).
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said that the survey and research results show how self-exclusion is helping Australians to manage their gambling behaviour.
“We know online gambling causes a great deal of harm for too many in our communities. It is wonderful to see that the national self-exclusion register is having a positive impact. The stories shared with us are both moving and compelling,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
“We want to make sure everyone who uses phone or internet gambling in Australia is aware of their options for self-exclusion.
“It only takes five minutes to register, and this could change your life,” she said.
The research was undertaken by ORIMA on behalf of the ACMA. The report, including individual case studies, is available at BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register research.
The findings from this research will also help to inform the statutory review of the NSER that is currently underway.
The release of the research coincides with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register reaching a new milestone, with more than 50,000 Australians now having chosen to self-exclude since the launch of the programme in August 2023. Over 32,000 people currently have active exclusions.
When someone chooses to register, they are excluded from all of the approximately 190 licensed wagering providers in Australia.
The post ACMA: Self-Excluded Gamblers Report a Better Quality of Life appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited confirmed that the New Zealand Gambling Commission has granted SkyCity Queenstown Limited with a renewal of its casino venue licence for a further 15 years from 7 December 2025, pursuant to section 134 of the Gambling Act 2003.
SkyCity Chief Executive Officer, Jason Walbridge, said: “We’re delighted with this outcome. We look forward to continuing to play our part in Queenstown’s fantastic range of entertainment for both locals and visitors.”
The post SkyCity Announces Renewal of Queenstown Casino Licence appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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