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Ainsworth Game Technology Founder Len Ainsworth Celebrates 100th Birthday

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Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT) is celebrating the 100th birthday of its founder, gaming industry icon Len Ainsworth. The company said the occasion marks a momentous occasion to celebrate the life of the gaming visionary and pioneer, “recognized around the world as a true icon of the gaming industry whose contributions have shaped the gaming landscape as we see it today”.

Born in Kempsey, NSW Australia on July 11, 1923, Leonard Hastings Ainsworth possessed “an insatiable curiosity and an unyielding determination to carve a path in the world,” said the company.

Ainsworth commenced his professional life manufacturing and supplying dental equipment, but left this sector when he envisaged and pursued the development of gaming equipment, where his legacy in the gaming industry began. In 1953, Ainsworth founded Aristocrat Leisure Industries, which became one of the world’s largest gaming companies.

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Following a 1984 diagnosis of prostate cancer, Ainsworth transferred his ownership of Aristocrat to his family to ensure his legacy continued. AGT notes that following a clear diagnosis thereafter, he knew “he had more to offer the industry he fell in love with”. In 1995, he founded his second gaming company, Ainsworth Game Technology.

“Ainsworth dedicated his career to creating innovative, cutting-edge gaming solutions that would revolutionize the way people engage with slot machines and other gaming products,” said the firm.

Ainsworth, through a press statement, expressed his gratitude for the success he has enjoyed and the support he received from his family, friends and colleagues.

“I feel privileged to have reached this milestone and to have seen how the gaming industry has evolved and flourished over the years. I have been fortunate in establishing a worldwide reputation for quality equipment that continues to lead the field and that pleases me to no end. I have worked with many great people along the way, without them none of it would be possible,” he stated.

Apart from his professional achievements, Ainsworth is a passionate philanthropist. He established the Ainsworth Foundation, which supports the Australian community most notably in medical research, education, healthcare, and various other social causes, leaving an enduring impact on countless lives. “Personally, I’m most proud that my good fortune enables me to support so many worthwhile causes,” he said.

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Ainsworth possesses the qualities of a true leader, inspiring those around him, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation and empowering individuals to reach their full potential, said AGT. “His mentoring and guidance have shaped the careers of numerous industry professionals who continue to carry his vision forward.”

Danny Gladstone, Chairman of Ainsworth Game Technology, said: “I started my career in the gaming industry 50 years ago working for Len. It was a privilege to then have the opportunity to work with him again 16 years ago at Ainsworth and build on his legacy. He is a true icon globally and our industry would not be what it is without him. I wish him all the very best on his 100th birthday.”

“On behalf of the entire Ainsworth Game Technology family and the gaming industry, we extend our warmest wishes to Len on this momentous occasion,” said Harald Neumann, CEO of Ainsworth Game Technology.

“His unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and outstanding leadership have been instrumental in shaping our company and the industry as a whole. We are grateful for his profound contributions and are inspired to continue his legacy of excellence.”

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Australia

Changes to Tipping Off Offence Came into Effect in Australia

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Businesses and individuals bound by the tipping off offence must now consider whether a disclosure could be expected to prejudice an investigation, under changes to the AML/CTF laws that came into force on March 31.

The changes to the offence, which carries a maximum penalty of around $39,000 or up to 2 years in prison, are now focussed on the harms that could flow from a disclosure.

AUSTRAC CEO, Mr Brendan Thomas, said the change is part of AML/CTF reforms passed late last year to expand and simplify the legislation.

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“The previous legislation was almost 20 years old and a lot has changed in that time,” Mr Thomas said.

“AUSTRAC is about to usher in 100,000 new businesses to the regime next year and they too will be subject to the tipping off offence.

“The change to the offence is about balancing intelligence gathering with practicality to ensure we can all get the best outcome – identifying criminal activity and driving money laundering out of legitimate businesses.

“We need businesses to work with us to detect illicit transactions – tipping off risks criminals getting a heads up. Criminals can then take action to hide or disguise their illegal activities. However, we know that effective information sharing within and between businesses helps stop money laundering.”

Businesses and individuals covered by the AML/CTF legislation, including banks, casinos, remitters and money lenders, are now prohibited from disclosing certain information to another person (other than AUSTRAC), only where it would or could reasonably be expected to prejudice an investigation.

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“The move to a focus on harms strikes a better balance between protecting law enforcement investigations and allowing industry to collaborate in fighting money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious crimes.”

While the tipping off offence changes from March 31, most of the obligations under the amended AML/CTF Act will not come into effect until 2026, when entities in real estate, accounting, precious stones and metals and digital assets come under AUSTRAC’s remit.

The post Changes to Tipping Off Offence Came into Effect in Australia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Australia

Vanguard Overwatch Announces New Partnership Deal with McAtamney & Advisors

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Vanguard Overwatch and McAtamney & Advisors have announced a strategic partnership that brings together leading expertise in anti-money laundering (AML), safer gambling and regulatory strategy to deliver tailored, end-to-end solutions for gambling operators and regulators navigating complex, high-stakes environments.

Vanguard Overwatch is a specialist advisory firm dedicated to advancing gambling-related public policy and regulatory excellence, strengthening industry capability and helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments.

This formal collaboration expands the reach of Vanguard Overwatch’s pioneering Accreditation Programme, which delivers independent assurance and practical insights to uplift capability, demonstrate leadership and mitigate compliance risks.

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Built around eight foundational pillars, the programme provides a structured evaluation of governance, AML/CTF processes, safer gambling practices and organisational culture—equipping venues and online operators to meet evolving regulatory expectations with confidence.

Paul Newson, principal at Vanguard Overwatch, said: “This partnership significantly enhances our ability to support clients navigating regulatory complexity and scrutiny. Together, we’re delivering sharp, independent analysis and tailored strategic advice that helps operators meet their obligations, protect their reputation, and drive better social and economic outcomes.”

James McAtamney, managing director of McAtamney & Advisors, has been appointed a principal at Vanguard Overwatch as part of the partnership.

He said: “We’re proud to align with Vanguard Overwatch to support operators in building high-performing compliance systems and engaging confidently with regulators. Our combined capabilities create a powerful platform to support clients across strategy, licensing, AML/CTF, and safer gambling.”

Both firms are active contributors to sector reform and participate in key industry and policy forums, including Regulating the Game and the International Association of Gaming Regulators. The partnership will also support the development of new service offerings, including rapid AML and safer gambling health checks and bespoke regulatory support for operators under pressure.

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The post Vanguard Overwatch Announces New Partnership Deal with McAtamney & Advisors appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Australia

Gaming Compliance Checks Underway Across Regional NSW

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Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) is conducting a compliance operation across regional NSW throughout March to ensure venues adhere to gaming regulations that promote responsible gambling and reduce harm.

Inspectors will visit clubs and hotels to ensure venues understand and comply with external gambling signage rules and recent changes to requirements for the location of ATMs and cash dispensing facilities.

They will also check that venues have appointed Responsible Gambling Officers, maintained Gambling Incident Registers and adhered to Gaming Plans of Management.

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L&GNSW Acting Executive Director of Regulatory Operations Bernadette Beard said the operation is part of an ongoing effort to work with venues to ensure responsible gambling laws are upheld.

“Our compliance operation is well underway, with inspectors visiting venues across regional NSW to ensure they are aware of their obligations,” Ms Beard said.

“A key focus will be on the gaming reforms that took effect on January 1, 2025, which mandate that ATMs and other cash dispensing facilities must be positioned at least five metres from gaming room entrances or exits and kept out of sight from gaming areas and machines,” Jakob Rothwangl said.

Ms Beard said recent inspections in Sydney and other metropolitan areas have identified multiple venues not following the rules, leading to penalties where necessary.

“Since the new cash dispensing rules were introduced, L&GNSW has visited more than 900 clubs and hotels, issuing 53 cautions and three penalty infringement notices to 44 non-compliant venues, with several others under investigation,” Ms Beard said.

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“We’re here to assist venues in meeting their responsibilities, but compliance is essential, and enforcement action will be taken where required.”

The post Gaming Compliance Checks Underway Across Regional NSW appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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