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Leading international gambling law and regulation conference Regulating the Game (RTG) has issued a call for expressions of interest for the final Conference Chair position of its 2026 edition, to be held from 9 to 11 March 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Organizers explained that conference chairs will steward a day of the event and play a pivotal role in shaping dialogue, setting the tone and guiding discussions across key themes including safer gambling, compliance, governance, technology, and regulatory and sector transformation.

While some chairs have already been locked in, the final chair will be appointed to bring fresh perspective and balance to the program, ensuring diverse voices and expertise are represented in the conversations that matter most to the sector, they added.

“The caliber of our Conference Chairs underscores the influence and reach of Regulating the Game,” said Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of RTG.

“This appointment presents an exciting opportunity for a persuasive communicator to help frame critical conversations and contribute to shaping the future of gambling regulation.”

Past chairs of RTG have included IAG’s very own Vice Chairman and CEO Andrew W Scott; Professor of Marketing at the University of Nevada–Las Vegas Dr Maria Royne Stafford; Regional Head of Licensing, Government & Regulatory Affairs – EMEA/APAC at Sportradar Donata Szabo; Executive Director, Alderney Gambling Control Commission Andrew Gellatly; and Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Laboratories International Ian Hughes, among others.

Next year’s RTG will feature an expanded program of associated events, including the popular Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House  on the evening of 9 March, the first ever RTG Global Awards & Gala Dinner on the evening of 10 March plus 15-minute Industry Spotlight Sessions for established sector leaders, Expert Masterclasses and an expanded exhibition showcase.

Interested candidates for the final Conference Chair role are encouraged to contact the RTG team at [email protected].

The post Regulating the Game issues call for 2026 conference chairs appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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NextBet has announced its official launch, establishing itself as a bold new AV and challenger in the Australian wagering market. Formed to capitalise on the mounting pressure facing undercapitalised operators and an accelerating wave of industry consolidation, NextBet enters the market with the acquisition of well-established operator, CrossBet. This strategic move marks the first step in a bold plan to build Australia’s next dominant Tier Two wagering group under a united brand.

NextBet will be led by, Scott Cross, who will serve as Executive Director. The move is a strategic restructure designed to position the business for its next phase of inorganic expansion.

“The formation of NextBet creates the foundation to scale rapidly through an ambitious M&A strategy, while investing in proprietary capabilities to meet the demands of a changing wagering market,” said Cross.

Strategic Vision: The Path to Tier Two Dominance

NextBet is pursuing an aggressive growth strategy – rolling up undercapitalised lower-tier operators while driving operational efficiency through product, speed of profiling and a differentiated user experience that attracts and retains high-value customers.

To support this next phase of expansion, NextBet is actively seeking strategic investors who share its vision for reshaping the mid-market wagering landscape. Investment will be used to accelerate acquisitions, enhance platform capabilities and solidify NextBet’s position as the go-to consolidator in the Australian market.

The current $419M valuation for PointsBet Holdings Limited confirms that the market rewards scaled, tech-enabled operators with focused execution. NextBet’s model builds on this blueprint, designed to fill the emerging leadership void in the Tier Two segment with an advanced offering custom built for modern wagering dynamics.

NextBet is currently in advanced discussions with several additional acquisition targets and expects to announce further transactions in the coming quarters.

The post NextBet Launches as Acquisition Vehicle (AV) to Consolidate Mid-Market Operators; Announces Flagship Acquisition and Growth Strategy appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The NSW Government has amended the Casino Control Regulation to extend the term of The Star’s manager Nick Weeks, who will continue to have oversight of casino operations until at least 31 March 2026.

The government extended Mr Weeks’ term at the request of the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) after the NICC declined to lift the suspension of The Star’s licence.

Mr Weeks will continue to hold the licence for The Star over the next six-month period, allowing the casino to operate gaming facilities while its licence remains suspended.

The NICC first appointed Mr Weeks to the role of manager in October 2022, when The Star’s casino licence was suspended following the first Bell Review.

NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford said there was still too much uncertainty surrounding The Star to consider reinstating its casino licence at this time.

“The NICC considers it appropriate to continue with the current arrangement so it can better assess the effectiveness of important remediation work and await the outcomes of other pressing financial matters concerning The Star,” Mr Crawford said.

“The NICC understands the many challenges The Star is facing and is closely monitoring The Star’s progress as it works to prove it is capable of regaining its casino licence.”

The post NICC extends The Star manager’s term for six months appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.