Connect with us

Australia

Victoria: Landmark Reforms to Reduce Gambling Related Harm

Published

on

victoria:-landmark-reforms-to-reduce-gambling-related-harm
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

The Andrews Labor Government is introducing sweeping new reforms to protect Victorians from gambling harm – making the state’s gambling harm protections the strongest in Australia.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne announced new reforms to reduce gambling harm at venues with electronic gaming machines (EGMs) across the state.

An estimated 330,000 Victorians experience harm as a result of gambling each year – costing Victoria around $7 billion annually and leading to significant financial distress, mental health concerns and relationship issues.

All EGMs in Victoria will require mandatory pre-commitment limits and carded play, putting the power back into the hands of patrons while also ensuring that money is tracked – stopping money laundering through our gaming venues.

Load up limits – how much money an individual can put into an EGM at a time – will be capped at $100, down from the current limit of $1000, helping people make informed decisions about their spending, change their behaviour and reduce the amount that can be lost.

Mandatory pre-commitment, carded play and load up limits will be introduced subject to thorough consultation with industry through an implementation working group – taking into account trials in other jurisdictions and the experience at Crown Melbourne, which will have mandated pre-commitment and carded play on all EGMs by the end of 2023.

By mid-2024, mandatory closure periods will be enforced for all gaming machine areas in a venue, except the casino, between 4 am and 10 am. This will address evidence showing some venues are implementing staggered opening hours to allow users to move between venues in one area to continue gambling.

The Government will also make it mandatory for all new EGMs to spin at a rate of three seconds per game, slowing the pace of the game down and limiting the amount that can be lost.

These combined reforms will keep pace with emerging technologies gaming machines are using, produce safer gambling environments and help patrons to take a break.

These reforms extend changes the Government introduced after the findings of the Royal Commission to other gaming venues across the state, building on nation-leading protections introduced at Crown and the establishment of the nation’s strongest regulator – the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).

This year’s Budget includes $71 million for the VGCCC to take on a larger role in gambling harm minimisation, taking over most of the functions of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation from 1 July 2024.

Anyone affected by their own or someone else’s gambling can call Gambler’s Help 24/7 on 1800 858 858 to access confidential and free advice, support and referral.

Premier Daniel Andrews said: “These reforms will provide the strongest gambling harm preventions and anti-money laundering measures in Australia – we owe it to all Victorians to take this stance and help those experiencing harm turn their lives around.

“I look forward to the implementation working group’s input and effort.”

Melissa Horne, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, said: “Everyone loses when it comes to gambling harm, and it’s not confined to money – people lose their relationships, their jobs and their wellbeing.

“Our previous reforms have delivered stronger oversight of the gambling industry in Victoria with a regulator unafraid to hold venues to account – now we’re doing more important work to reduce gambling-related harm.”

Australia

Regulating the Game Rolls Out Four-Level Partnership Structure Ahead of Sydney 2027 Program

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Australia

IGS Awarded 15-Year Electronic Gaming Machine Monitoring Licence in Victoria

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Australia

RWA: Gambling Ad Crackdown Threatens Shift Offshore

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania