Australia has enforced an online gambling credit card ban, meaning that players can no longer use them as a payment method.

Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) and its members have been strong supporters of this measure and have worked with the Commonwealth Government and the financial services industry since 2021 to deliver this credit card ban.

Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Kai Cantwell said that this change was much needed, as Australians should only be gambling with money that they have.

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“This is an important measure to protect customers, making it easier for people to stay in control of their own gambling behaviour,” Mr Cantwell said.

“It will complement the existing offering of safer gambling account management tools by RWA members.

“RWA and its members support the extension of this measure to all forms of gambling that have been exempted from the ban such as lotteries and keno.

“If consumer protection measures aren’t consistent across all forms of gambling it will incentivise vulnerable Australians to move to less-regulated types of gambling, where they are more at risk of harm.”

RWA members provide a range of tools to ensure people can gamble safely, many of which have been adopted by the Commonwealth Government as part of the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF).

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“The NCPF is expected to be evaluated shortly and we look forward to engaging in this process to ensure that consumer protection tools are fit-for-purpose and support a safe and sustainable regulated gambling environment,” Mr Cantwell said.

SCCG Management is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with PlaySpark, a pioneering company specializing in gamified audience engagement solutions. This collaboration aims to leverage SCCG Management’s extensive global distribution network and business development expertise to introduce PlaySpark’s innovative white-labeled arcade games to new markets and verticals.

PlaySpark, renowned for amplifying acquisition and retention of audiences using white-labeled arcade games, offers a no-code game creator tool that enables brands to build their own games or playable ads. This solution drives higher engagement rates and generates new revenue through in-game ads and rewards. PlaySpark’s plug-and-play games significantly enhance fan engagement and revenue for sports teams and brands, magnifying acquisition by up to 700% and retention by 4X.

“We are very excited to join forces with SCCG,” said Luke Santamar, CEO of PlaySpark. “At PlaySpark, we are trying to change the game of how brands engage their audiences through white-labeled arcade gaming. Partnering with SCCG allows us to expand our footprint into the USA and globally, whilst setting up strategic pathways to drive PlaySpark into other verticals. With the experience and networks of SCCG, we look forward to working together to scale PlaySpark into multiple industries.”

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SCCG Management will utilize their vast ecosystem of over 100+ clients in the gaming space, as well as their sales and strategic distribution capabilities, which are globally placed in every major region of the world. This collaboration is poised to offer teams and brands the opportunity to amplify revenue by 300% through in-game advertising and the collection of 1st/zero party data.

Stephen Crystal, CEO of SCCG Management, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with PlaySpark, a company that shares our vision for innovation in audience engagement. By integrating PlaySpark’s unique white-labeled arcade games into our network, we are confident that we can deliver unparalleled value to our clients. This partnership not only broadens our service offerings but also opens new avenues for growth and revenue generation for both SCCG and PlaySpark.”

The partnership between SCCG Management and PlaySpark marks a significant milestone in the evolution of gamified audience engagement, providing brands with powerful tools to drive engagement and revenue in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Victorians will be able to help shape a fairer, more modern bingo-playing landscape as part of a wide-ranging inquiry into regulation of the gambling activity, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) announced.

By collaborating with industry stakeholders and the community, the Commission aims to deepen understanding of sector challenges and explore ways to enhance regulatory and industry practices, keeping the game social, safe and fair.

Commercially run bingo generates significant revenue. In FY23, reported bingo revenue was $107 million. This significantly exceeds Keno revenue in the same year of $61 million.

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It is a game played by many communities and offers social interaction and the potential for prizes, with a proportion of proceeds designated to fund charities.

“In recent years, the commercial bingo landscape has modernised, transitioning from traditional paper-based gameplay to electronic enhancements with substantial jackpots”, said Commission Chair, Fran Thorn.

“Given this evolution, it is crucial for us to assess and address issues of fairness, integrity, and the potential for gambling harm, particularly among at risk groups such as seniors, First Nations communities, women, and lower income individuals.”

“Despite regulatory oversight, we continue to receive reports and allegations of unlicensed operators and potentially fraudulent activities,” Thorn added.

“This is an opportunity to really understand how bingo works and how it is evolving with technology. We understand the social outlet that bingo provides for many community members. We want to understand the risks, reduce the potential for harm, and put a stop to any behaviours threatening the integrity and fairness of the game.”

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The VGCCC has invited all interested parties, including customers, industry participants, community organisations, and concerned citizens, to participate in the inquiry and contribute to shaping the future of Victoria’s gambling landscape.