Australia
BULLDOGS AND RABBITOHS SAY NO TO SPORTS BETTING ADVERTISING, YES TO FAMILY FRIENDLY GAMES
Sports betting ads were off the agenda at Sunday’s NRL match between the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs, with both teams saying no to wagering sponsors.
The two teams recently partnered with GambleAware’s Reclaim the Game initiative, which sees sporting clubs reject sports betting advertising, challenging the normalisation of betting in sport while educating staff, players and fans about the risks associated with gambling.
Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling Natalie Wright said it is fantastic to have fans walk into the stadium and be there for the game, where both teams have said no to sponsorships and the advertising that goes with it.
“Betting companies are increasingly using sport to promote their product. Reclaim the Game challenges this and raises awareness of the risks of gambling.
“The NRL fan base is huge and gambling advertising is everywhere, including at sporting games and on TV, which means if you’re a supporter you usually can’t avoid seeing it,” Ms Wright said.
“On Sunday fans and families got back to what the game is about – without letting a bet take them away from the match.
“It’s encouraging to see an NRL match with two teams who both stepped up to say no to sports betting advertising and we’re sure the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs fans appreciated the atmosphere.”
Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly, said, “Our community plays such a big role in our club, so we felt Reclaim the Game was a campaign we could support to reduce community exposure to sports betting advertising.
“We believe we play a style of football that entertains everyone in the family and that there isn’t the need to have a bet on the game to enjoy it,” Mr Solly said.
“We’re proud to support Reclaim the Game and their desire to effect cultural change around sports betting advertising.”
Bulldogs CEO, Aaron Warburton, said Rugby League is one of the most entertaining sporting experiences on offer.
“It is a great spectacle for fans, players and staff to enjoy sport in its purest form, without any distractions or the temptation to gamble,” Mr Warburton said.
“It was pleasing to see Sunday’s clash between two of the game’s proudest clubs taking place without the presence of sports betting advertising.”
While the NRL has wagering sponsorships at a code-level, as do multiple NRL teams and some stadiums, the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs have committed to eliminating betting advertising wherever they can.
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Australia
Regulating the Game Rolls Out Four-Level Partnership Structure Ahead of Sydney 2027 Program
Regulating the Game has announced an updated partnership framework for the 2027 initiative, organized into four levels — Principal Partner, Signature Partners, Pillar Partners, and Activation Partners — aimed at providing sponsors a more defined connection with the conference, the RTG Global Awards, and the delegate experience.
The updated architecture showcases significant involvement in 2026 and mirrors the widened scope of the 2027 program, which encompasses a more extensive conference agenda and the growth of the RTG Global Awards from six to twelve categories.
Regulating the Game 2027 Sydney is scheduled for 8–10 March 2027 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, featuring the RTG Global Awards ceremony on 9 March 2027.
A more distinct connection between partner funding and program worth.Every level is designed to correspond with the delegates’ experience of the program — starting with the conference opening, through Pitch!, the main program, the Global Awards Gala Dinner, and concluding the event. The goal is to minimize overlapping propositions, enhance category positioning, and achieve partnership results that are clear, traceable, and aligned with the program’s core.
• Principal Partner — The lead partner of the Regulating the Game 2027 program, with prominence across the conference, the Global Awards and the delegate journey. Reserved as a singular position.
• Signature Partners — A small group of premium partners aligned with flagship program elements, including Pitch!, the Global Awards Gala Dinner and other headline moments of the 2027 program.
• Pillar Partners — Partners aligned with the core thematic pillars of the Regulating the Game program: regulation and policy, compliance and integrity, safer gambling, and technology and innovation.
• Activation Partners — Partners supporting specific delegate touchpoints and experiences across the program, with visibility tied to defined activations.
A maturing global program
The 2027 program builds on the trajectory established in 2026, which saw strong international participation, the inaugural RTG Global Awards and the Pitch! showcase that brought together established providers and emerging RegTech disruptors. The expanded 2027 awards program — with six new categories including Black Market Disruption Initiative, Sport & Wagering Integrity Initiative, Research Impact, Gambling Harm Prevention Campaign, Compliance Advisory and Distinguished Contribution — broadens the recognition framework across the sector.
“The 2027 architecture reflects the maturity of the Regulating the Game program — a global conference, an expanded awards program and a delegate community that spans regulators, sector leaders, technology and research across multiple jurisdictions,” said Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and Founder of Regulating the Game.
“Partners increasingly want a clearer line of sight to value, audience and alignment. The four-tier model is designed to provide that — fewer overlapping propositions, clearer category positioning, and partnerships that map to how the program is actually experienced by delegates.”
Partner engagement now open
Partnership conversations for the 2027 program are now open. Organisations interested in any of the four tiers are invited to make contact through Regulating the Game to discuss alignment, availability and entitlements.
Event Details
Regulating the Game 2027 Sydney 8–10 March 2027 Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney, Australia
RTG Global Awards Presentation 9 March 2027
The post Regulating the Game Rolls Out Four-Level Partnership Structure Ahead of Sydney 2027 Program appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Australia
IGS Awarded 15-Year Electronic Gaming Machine Monitoring Licence in Victoria
Bally’s Intralot S.A. (Bally’s Intralot) has announced that its Australian subsidiary, Intralot Gaming Services (IGS) has been awarded a new 15-year Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) Monitoring Licence for the State of Victoria, effective 16 August 2027.
This landmark award positions Bally’s Intralot to deliver a new generation of technology, transparency and collaboration to one of the world’s most mature and highly regulated gaming markets.
Approximately 26,300 EGMs will be connected to the Monitoring System which will provide a vital role in ensuring the ongoing integrity of EGM transactions in gaming venues. It will also provide data and information on EGMs for regulatory, harm minimisation, taxation and research purposes.
Under the licence, IGS will also be responsible for the delivery, operation and maintenance of the statewide Pre-commitment System for all EGMs in Victoria, including 2628 EGMs at the Melbourne casino.
A New Technology Era for Victoria
IGS will deploy a next-generation, cloud-enabled monitoring platform designed to deliver:
• Real-time monitoring and reporting
• Advanced data analytics capabilities
• Best-in-class cybersecurity protections
• Scalable architecture to support evolving regulatory requirements
• Future-ready integration enabling seamless connectivity with venues, manufacturers and regulatory systems
“This award represents a major milestone for Bally’s Intralot and IGS and is a significant investment in the future of Victoria’s gaming technology infrastructure. We look forward to working with the Victorian Government, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, and industry stakeholders to deliver a secure and transparent monitoring system that supports integrity and player protection,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of the Bally’s Intralot Group.
IGS and Bally’s Intralot will commence planning and stakeholder engagement in the coming months to support a carefully managed, smooth and seamless transition.
The post IGS Awarded 15-Year Electronic Gaming Machine Monitoring Licence in Victoria appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Australia
RWA: Gambling Ad Crackdown Threatens Shift Offshore
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) has voiced deep disappointment over the Federal Government’s decision to further restrict gambling advertising without industry consultation. The group is now seeking urgent clarity to understand the full impact on the sector.
RWA CEO Kai Cantwell said their members have a track record of supporting and leading sensible and evidence based reform.
“We acknowledge advertising levels were too high in the past but we’ve listened and we’ve acted by taking steps to significantly reduce the total volume of ads” Mr Cantwell said.
“Beyond advertising, we have supported major reforms including the implementation of BetStop and strengthened consumer protection measures across the system.
“But this announcement, with no heads up and no genuine consultation, is a real kick in the guts for the industry.
“This sector contributes almost $6 billion to the Australian economy, supports around 30,000 jobs, and provides critical funding to sport, racing and broadcast industries across the country.”
“Decisions of this scale must be evidence based and developed with industry to avoid unintended consequences.
“For an industry that has engaged in good faith and delivered meaningful reform, this announcement today is disappointing.
“This sets a dangerous precedent. Today it’s gambling advertising, tomorrow it’s alcohol, then it’s sugary drinks, fast food, critical minerals and who knows what else comes next.
“This package of measures even seeks to go further than the Murphy Inquiry with the banning of online Keno and goes beyond the remit of the Federal
Government by phasing out jersey and stadium advertising.”
Responsible Wagering Australia also acknowledged the Government’s proposed crackdown on the illegal offshore gambling market which is costing Australians almost $4 billion each year and growing at 2.5x the rate of the legal licensed and regulated market.
“The test is whether these measures are strong, coordinated and enforceable.
“There is no silver bullet. These operators are highly sophisticated and will stop at nothing to target Australians and evade enforcement.
“To effectively tackle the issue there must be a sustained, coordinated approach that cuts them off at the source including payment blocking by financial institutions, stronger regulatory powers for the ACMA, and action to remove their presence online and across social media. The Government must consult with the industry to get this right and it must be the priority going forward.
“If the licensed market is overregulated, Australians won’t stop gambling. They will go offshore to operators with no consumer protections, no oversight, and no contribution to the Australian economy, sport or racing.”
RWA said it stands ready to engage constructively with Government on both advertising settings and offshore enforcement to ensure policy outcomes that reduce harm and protect Australians.
The post RWA: Gambling Ad Crackdown Threatens Shift Offshore appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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