Australia
RWA Members Commit AU$3M to Financial Counselling

Six Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) members – bet365, betfair, Entain, PointsBet, Sportsbet and Unibet – have committed more than AU$3.0m to support financial counselling services in the country.
RWA has partnered with the Federal Government, the financial counselling sector and a range of industries including banking, energy and insurance to establish a not-for-profit body that will distribute funding to financial counselling services around the country from early next year.
Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Kai Cantwell said financial counsellors played a vital role helping Australians in financial difficulty by providing free, independent and confidential advice on ways to manage debts, make informed choices about their money and build a future with financial freedom.
“RWA members are proud to set the industry standard for keeping customers safe, going well beyond the requirements set by governments,” Mr Cantwell said.
“This funding builds on our world leading consumer protections that only exist in online gambling including mandatory age and identity verification, deposit limits, time out tools and activity statements.
“RWA is proud to enter into this agreement after proactively approaching the Federal Government in 2021 and volunteering to contribute to the body.
“The number one priority for RWA and its members is to ensure that our customers can gamble in a safe environment while having access to the tools to stay in control of their gambling behaviour.
“This funding commitment demonstrates the collective commitment of RWA and its members to safeguard the well-being of Australians and provide vital support to those who may need assistance managing their financial circumstances.
“With many Australians currently struggling with increasing cost of living pressures, the work of financial counsellors is more important than ever.
“This body will help Australians manage their current situation and develop long term financial skills that can be applied in all areas of life.
“RWA is committed to working with government and industry to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative and hopes other industries will follow RWA’s lead and contribute to this scheme.”
Australia
Gaming Compliance Checks Underway Across Regional NSW

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.
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.
“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.
Australia
Crown Resorts Announces Ed Domingo as New CEO of Crown Melbourne

Crown Resorts has announced the appointment of Mr. Ed Domingo as the new CEO of Crown Melbourne, succeeding Mr. Mike Volkert, subject to regulatory approvals.
Mr. Volkert is stepping down from his role as CEO of Crown Melbourne to pursue an opportunity outside of Crown. He served as the CEO for the past two and a half years.
Mr. Domingo brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and casino industry. Most recently, he served as the President & COO of Empire City Casino in New York with MGM Resorts International, where he oversaw all day-to-day operations of the resort.
Previously, Mr. Domingo was the Senior Vice President & CFO of Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, the premier luxury resort for MGM Resorts International. His extensive leadership experience also includes roles with Caesars Entertainment and Rush Street Gaming, providing him with deep industry knowledge across several gaming jurisdictions.
Mr. Domingo will begin with Crown Melbourne in late April, with Mr. Volkert continuing to serve as CEO until that time, ensuring a smooth transition.
Crown Resorts CEO, David Tsai, said: “Ed has a proven track record in leading integrated resorts, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Crown Melbourne. With his extensive industry experience across various gaming jurisdictions, Ed is well-positioned to lead Crown Melbourne’s next phase of growth and success.
“I would also like to extend my gratitude to Mike for his invaluable contribution over the past two and a half years, including his leadership in our transformation journey.”
Mr. Domingo said: “I am incredibly excited to join Crown Melbourne, which has held an iconic role in Melbourne’s entertainment and tourism landscape for 30 years. I look forward to joining the thousands of amazing team members there and leading Crown Melbourne’s next phase of transformation and growth, bringing innovative venues to life and creating dynamic experiences for our guests, all while operating at industry-leading standards.”
Crown Melbourne Chairman, Ian Silk, said: “I would like to thank Mike for his leadership and dedication to Crown Melbourne over the last two and a half years. Ed is a highly accomplished and experienced executive with proven success at similar organisations, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of his leadership.”
The post Crown Resorts Announces Ed Domingo as New CEO of Crown Melbourne appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Websites

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The latest sites blocked include Crown slots and Billy billion.
Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1178 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.
Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.
The post ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Websites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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