Australia
ACMA Warns Tabcorp Over Illegal In-play Betting
C and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a formal warning to Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (Tabcorp) after it was found to have accepted 37 illegal online in-play bets on a US college basketball game.
Online in-play betting—betting on a sporting event after it has commenced—is prohibited in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. After receiving a complaint, the ACMA’s investigation found that Tabcorp accepted 37 illegal bets on 3 January 2021.
Authority Member Fiona Cameron said this is the first time the ACMA has taken action against an operator for a breach of online in-play betting rules.
“We know that in-play betting, such as bets on the next point in a tennis match or the next ball in cricket, can pose a very high risk to problem gamblers,” Ms Cameron said.
“These rules have been in place for many years and Tabcorp has had more than enough time to put systems in place to ensure that in-play betting is not offered on local or international sports.”
Tabcorp responded that it failed to close betting in time due to incorrect match information from a third-party provider, followed by a technical error by Tabcorp. Upon realising the mistake Tabcorp paid out winning bets and refunded losing bets, with one being refunded only after the ACMA commenced its investigation.
Ms Cameron said in settling its enforcement approach the ACMA considered Tabcorp’s actions to deal with the illegal bets and its commitment to improve its systems and processes. Alternative enforcement options include potential penalties under an infringement notice and application by the ACMA to the Federal Court for the imposition of a civil penalty or injunction.
“The ACMA considered that the paying out of winning bets by Tabcorp was inappropriate and that all illegal bets should have been voided so that neither operators or punters benefit from prohibited activity,” she said.
“The industry is now on notice that it must have robust systems in place to prevent in-play bets and that the ACMA will investigate evidence of non-compliance with these important consumer safeguards.
“If we find breaches of the rules caused by genuine mistakes, in any enforcement response we will take into account whether an operator has voided rather than paid out illegal winning bets,” Ms Cameron said.
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BetMakers Technology Group has entered into a partnership with The Bookie Group (TBG), who announced the appointment of veteran wagering executive Jason Scott as part of their growth and brand expansion strategy.
Scott, formerly CEO of Racing Queensland and a senior executive with Entain and BetMGM, brings a wealth of global racing and sports betting experience to TBG. His arrival marks a significant step as the group accelerates development of its multi-brand strategy, building on the early success of PonyBet, currently live and trading in the Australian market.
TBG’s growth is underpinned by its strategic partnership with BetMakers Technology Group, leveraging the newly launched Apollo platform to deliver highly personalised, agile wagering experiences.
“The early success of PonyBet on the Apollo platform has been fantastic to see and a great endorsement of the BetMakers solution. We’re excited to partner closely with Jason, Brian and the TBG team as they execute on their vision for a dynamic, multi-brand wagering business,” said Martin Tripp, Chief Operating Officer at BetMakers Technology Group.
“I’ve been incredibly impressed with the Apollo platform and the team behind it. The technology gives us the flexibility to move fast and innovate, and I’m excited to work with BetMakers to deliver unique and engaging products that modern punters are looking for,” said Jason Scott.
TBG has plans to launch several new betting brands throughout 2025 and 2026, focusing on personalisation, entertainment, and operational excellence. With Scott at the helm and BetMakers providing the technology backbone, the group is well-positioned to deliver differentiated products to market at speed and scale.
The post BetMakers Partners with The Bookie Group appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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.
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.
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