Australia
RWA Expresses Concern Over Govt’s Decision to Double Tax Cap on Licensed Online WSPs
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) has expressed serious concern over the Northern Territory Government’s decision to double the annual bookmaker and betting exchange tax cap on licensed online Wagering Service Providers (WSPs), warning that the move is economically reckless and risks undermining the Territory’s reputation as a stable and competitive licensing jurisdiction.
The doubling of the cap, announced in the Northern Territory Budget, comes without any industry consultation and, perplexingly, before the final report of the Northern Territory Government’s own Racing Industry Review – a review explicitly commissioned to inform long-term sustainability settings for the wagering and racing sectors.
Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Kai Cantwell said the decision had blindsided the industry and would put investment from WSPs – who are some of the NT’s biggest employers – at risk.
“RWA have participated meaningfully in the review and eagerly anticipated a new strategic vision for racing in the Territory. This decision, made before the Review has had a chance to lay that strategic vision, has blindsided WSPs and materially undermines any outcome of the Review,” Mr Cantwell said.
“RWA members have proudly supported the Territory for years, investing in people, infrastructure, and long-term economic growth.
“We will continue to advocate for a licensing environment in the Northern Territory that upholds the highest standards of consumer protection while also incentivising business to invest in the local economy.
“RWA members are all licensed in the Northern Territory, directly employing around 600 Territorians in high-skilled roles across technology, customer service, and compliance – a figure that rises to over 1,000 when including all wagering service providers licensed in the Territory.”
In FY23 alone, the Australian licensed online wagering industry contributed more than $150 million to the Northern Territory economy, including:
• $47.7 million in taxes and levies
• $2.5 million in product fees to the NT racing industry – directly supporting prize money, operations and promotional activities
• $46 million in wages paid to local staff
“The NT Government was elected on a platform of driving economic growth, delivering a competitive tax and investment environment and attracting private investment, with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro stating the Territory is ‘open for business’ and passing legislation to ‘strengthen our ability to deliver economic growth and attract investment’ – yet this policy decision directly contradicts that commitment and risks undermining investor confidence in the Territory,” Mr Cantwell said.
RWA questioned the timing of the announcement, noting that it comes before the outcomes of the Government’s ongoing Racing Industry Review have been released.
“This tax hike preempts the outcome of the Review, a process that was meant to guide long-term, evidence-based and sensible reform,” Mr Cantwell said.
“It sends a message that consultation, process and industry sustainability have taken a back seat to short-term revenue grabs.
“A financially sustainable and well-regulated racing and wagering industry is critical to ensuring its long-term viability and the significant economic and employment benefits it delivers to Territorians.
“Rather than imposing blunt tax increases, the Government should be working with industry to identify growth opportunities that will ensure the Territory’s continued leadership as a licensing jurisdiction.
“We are calling on the Treasurer and Chief Minister to reconsider this decision and to engage in genuine consultation with the industry before moving forward.”
The post RWA Expresses Concern Over Govt’s Decision to Double Tax Cap on Licensed Online WSPs appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Aquisitions/Mergers
NextBet Launches as Acquisition Vehicle (AV) to Consolidate Mid-Market Operators; Announces Flagship Acquisition and Growth Strategy
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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.
Reading Time: < 1 minute
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.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The organisers of Regulating the Game have announced the launch of Industry Spotlight Sessions as part of the event’s 2026 programme. The conference will take place from March 9–11, 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
New for 2026, the Industry Spotlight Sessions are concise, 15-minute presentations embedded within the main conference programme, giving leading manufacturers, suppliers and technology providers across gaming, lotteries, wagering and sports betting a platform to share strategic insights, innovation and sector direction.
The sessions will provide a powerful platform for established players to:
• Highlight new products, enhancements or technical capabilities
• Share research, data insights or strategic outlooks
• Spotlight innovations that are shaping operational performance and player engagement
• Provide a forward view on emerging trends and technologies influencing the sector
Distinct from Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House (March 9) – which has evolved into a high-energy marketplace of ideas spotlighting emerging RegTech, compliance innovation, disruptive policy concepts and safer gambling solutions – the Industry Spotlight Sessions are tailored for established players to profile market-ready innovations, demonstrate commercial leadership and share product direction.
Paul Newson, principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, said: “The Industry Spotlight Sessions are being introduced at the request of industry attendees who wanted a dedicated platform to showcase pioneering products, strategies, and sector direction and insights. With only four Industry Spotlight slots available in 2026, this is a limited opportunity for organisations to put themselves front and centre before an international audience of regulators, policy leaders, and industry decision-makers.”
The addition of Industry Spotlights reflects RTG’s commitment to sparking innovation and shaping the future of the sector. By providing a platform for announcing new directions, showcasing developments and sharing strategic outlooks, these sessions are designed to broaden dialogue, foster cross-sector collaboration and keep the conference at the cutting edge of regulatory and industry evolution.
Regulating the Game 2026 will also feature:
• Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House (March 9)
• The inaugural RTG Global Awards & Gala Dinner (March 10)
• An expanded exhibition showcase and programme of expert masterclasses.
Early bird tickets are now open, with discounted rates for early registrants. Group packages are also available but strictly limited.
The post Industry Spotlight Sessions Announced for Regulating the Game 2026 Sydney appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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