Compliance Updates
Australia to Ban the Use of Credit Cards in Online Gambling
Australians at risk of online gambling harm will be better protected through a ban on credit card payments and fines of up to $234,750 for companies who don’t enforce it, through legislation to be introduced by the Albanese Labor Government to Parliament.
The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2023 will seek to ban the use of credit cards and credit related products, as well as digital currencies, used for online wagering.
The Bill continues the Government’s priority work to protect vulnerable Australians from online gambling harms and will also provide the Minister for Communications with the power to prohibit additional credit-related products as they emerge as a way of “future proofing” the legislation.
The introduction of the Bill implements recommendations from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services (PJC Inquiry) from November 2021.
The Bill will expand the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s powers to ensure strong and effective enforcement of the new and existing civil penalty provisions under the Act. Penalties up to $234,750 could apply for any breach of the new provisions.
Industry and consumers will be provided with a six month transition period from the date of Royal Assent to change their business and betting behaviours respectively.
Since coming to Government Labor has prioritised work to reduce the harm caused by online gambling, including through implementing the final measures under the National Consumer Protection Framework.
This includes the introduction of monthly activity statements outlining wins and losses, new evidence-based taglines to replace “Gamble Responsibly,” nationally consistent training for staff working in online gambling companies and BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, which allows consumers to exclude themselves from all Australian licensed wagering services for a period of three months up to a lifetime.
In addition, the Government will also introduce mandatory customer pre-verification, requiring wagering service providers to verify a customer’s identity when they register for a new account and before they can place a bet. This requirement is expected to be in place by the end of this month.
The Government is carefully considering the recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling to inform future measures to help address the harm caused by online gambling.
A meeting of state, territory and Commonwealth ministers responsible for online wagering nationally will be held before the end of the year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“It’s as simple as this: people should not be betting with money they do not have.
“The Australian Government remains committed to protecting Australians from gambling harms.
“Legislating a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling will help to protect vulnerable Australians and their loved ones.
“I would like to thank the wide variety of stakeholders, including harm reduction advocates, wagering and lottery providers, and banking payment organisations, for their contributions to and support for this Bill.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP:
“Since coming to Government we’ve prioritised addressing the harm caused by online gambling and I’m pleased we are taking the next step with legislation to ban the use of credit cards.
“You can’t use your credit card to place a bet for land-based gambling and the same rules should apply for online gambling too.
“We’re serious about protecting vulnerable Australians from the harm we know online gambling can cause. Any platform breaching the new rules will face penalties.
“We know minimising the harm caused by online gambling is not a set and forget exercise and I look forward to working with my state and territory counterparts on what comes next to continue this positive change.”
Compliance Updates
Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy
Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.
In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.
“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.
The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.
The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Anne Marie Caulfield
GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is encouraging parents and guardians to be alert to the signs of gambling among young people and to intervene early to prevent gambling harm.
The signs of gambling aren’t always visible, the GRAI in partnership with the Health Service Executive Addiction Services have developed dedicated advice on www.grai.ie to equip families with the knowledge to recognise the signs, advice on how to start the conversation with their children about gambling, and where to seek help if required.
To support the guidance, the GRAI has launched a national public awareness campaign across video on demand, radio, digital audio, and social media platforms, bringing this message directly to families across Ireland.
With the lines between entertainment and gambling increasingly blurred, especially online, what may look like harmless fun can still involve risk, money and chance in ways that affect young developing brains. Research commissioned by the GRAI and conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that children who gamble are twice as likely to develop a gambling problem as adults.
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI said: “We have launched this campaign to help parents start an important conversation about the risks of underage gambling. Children and young people are among the most at-risk members of Irish society when it comes to gambling exposure and harm. Children’s brains are still developing the judgement and impulse-control systems used to weigh up risk, which makes gambling appealing to them.
“With online gambling available at any time of the day, it is easy for the warning signs to be hidden. The guidance the GRAI developed with the HSE Addiction Services sets out some of the key behavioural signs to look out for in your child.”
The post GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Australia
NSW: EOI Opens for Candidates to Replace Retiring NICC Chief Commissioner and Commissioner
The NSW Government has announced the opening of an expression of interest process for Chief Commissioner and Commissioner roles on the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
On 20 May 2026 the Governor of NSW, on the recommendation of the Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris, re-appointed the NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford, and Commissioner Stephen Parbery for additional six-month terms to 24 November 2026.
The reappointments will ensure stability in the NICC’s leadership in coming months and an orderly transition to new commissioners.
Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery have announced they will retire from public service when their tenures expire in November.
Both were inaugural members of the NICC when it was established in September 2022 in response to the Bergin Inquiry recommendations to strengthen casino regulation and oversight in NSW.
Prior to appointment to the NICC, Mr Crawford served as Chairperson of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), while Mr Parbery served as an ILGA board member.
Both Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery played crucial roles in the NICC’s response to the two Bell inquiries into The Star and have contributed to strengthening oversight and accountability across the casino sector including the transition of Crown Sydney to an unrestricted licence.
The appointment process for the NICC Commissioner vacancies is being undertaken in accordance with requirements under the Casino Control Act 1992.
This includes establishment of a selection panel to prepare a list of recommended candidates for consideration by Minister Harris, as well as the appointment of a probity adviser.
The expression of interest process is open until Monday 3 August.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “I thank Philip Crawford and Stephen Parbery for their service and leadership, particularly during a critical period for casino regulation in NSW.
“As Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford has played a key role in ensuring both casino operators meet strict regulatory requirements, following the various casino inquiries.
“His leadership has been instrumental in overseeing complex probity assessments, remediation programs and contingency planning during a period of significant regulatory reform and scrutiny.
“Stephen Parbery has also made a substantial contribution as Commissioner, bringing considerable expertise and judgement to the Commission’s work.
“Both Commissioners have helped drive important regulatory improvements that have restored public confidence in the integrity of casino regulation in NSW, and I thank them for their dedicated service.”
The post NSW: EOI Opens for Candidates to Replace Retiring NICC Chief Commissioner and Commissioner appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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