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.
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The ACMA has released its 2025–26 annual work program, outlining the key priorities and deliverables for this financial year.
The comprehensive agenda of activities reflects the ACMA’s commitment to supporting an efficient and reliable communications infrastructure and building consumer trust in the use of communications content and services.
By delivering on the priorities set out in the program, the ACMA will bolster consumer protection frameworks, foster industry innovation and investment, and support productivity and growth.
The program contains milestones and timelines for a range of ACMA priority work including but not limited to:
• Compliance with Triple Zero and Public Safety Requirements
• Enforcing new rules to support telco consumers affected by domestic and family violence
• Combating mobile number fraud
• Delivery of the SMS Sender ID Register
• Enhancing telco consumer protections
• Disrupting illegal offshore wagering providers
• Compliance with and promotion of BetStop the National Self-Exclusion Register
• Supporting access to Free to Air TV through the TV prominence framework
• Major spectrum planning and allocations.
The post ACMA Releases 2025–26 Work Program appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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The rollout of mandatory carded play at the casino marks the delivery of a major recommendation from the Perth Casino Royal Commission.
From 1 December, all patrons using electronic gaming machines at the Crown Perth Casino will need to use a personalised membership card that sets time and loss limits.
The card, which will be linked to each player’s account, will cap play at 12 hours a day and 28 hours a week, and include mandatory breaks every three hours.
Players can adjust their own limits within these caps but any increase to limits will take effect only after a seven-day cooling-off period. Requests to decrease loss limits are applied immediately.
Existing members will need to update their cards, while new players can sign up, taking a photo and setting their limits with the help of casino staff.
The system provides on-screen tracking and monthly activity statements to help players monitor their spending. It also allows the casino to identify risky behaviour and offer support when needed.
The introduction of carded play represents a major step towards reducing the risk of gambling harm at the casino.
The post Western Australia: New Casino Carded Play Set to Reduce Gambling Harm appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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The NSW Government is encouraging the community to help spread the message this GambleAware Week, that with gambling, there’s more to lose than money; it can also affect health, relationships and wellbeing.
Running from today, 20 October to 26 October, this year’s campaign is also focussing on promoting the range of free and confidential support available to those struggling with gambling harm.
In addition, the NSW Government is continuing its campaign to reduce the amount of sports betting advertising with its Reclaim the Game initiative, delivered in partnership with 19 NSW sporting clubs from six codes: the A-League, AFL, Cricket, the National Basketball League, Netball and the National Rugby League.
This includes the Sydney Kings and the Illawarra Hawks men’s basketball teams along with the Sydney Flames women’s basketball team. All three teams have just signed up for a further two seasons.
Sports betting is most common among young people aged 18-24 years. A 2024 NSW Gambling Survey found sports and race betting responsible for 16.5% of gambling harm.
Reclaim the Game aims to counteract the saturation of sports betting advertising and help people understand their choices and decisions about gambling, encouraging them to take action to prevent and reduce gambling harm by seeking support when they need it.
In 2025-26, the NSW Government has committed $20.7 million from the Responsible Gambling Fund for gambling support services, up from $19.19 million the previous year.
The government has implemented a suite of measures to reduce gambling harm, including:
- Committing $100 million to harm minimisation – investing in research, treatment, services and reform,
- Banning gambling advertising on public transport, and the terminals people catch it from,
- Banning all external gambling signage in licensed premises and introducing Responsible Gambling Officers for venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements, and
- Banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines.
Reclaim the Game is an initiative of the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, which also manages the statewide gambling support service GambleAware.
Information about GambleAware Week activities, Reclaim the Game, plus resources and support information are available at www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au
Call the 24-hour GambleAware Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support. In-language support is also available for those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“The NSW Government is committed to reducing gambling harm which not only impacts individuals, but also their loved ones and the broader community.
“I’m pleased to announce the NSW Government has extended the Reclaim the Game partnerships with the Sydney Kings, Sydney Flames and Illawarra Hawks. These partnerships have helped us spread this important message through reclaiming advertising space and enlisting clubs to engage with fans and the community on responsible gambling.
“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our communities safe, informed and supported. With gambling, there’s more to lose than money. You could be risking your family home, that dream holiday, your health or your relationships.
“This GambleAware Week, start a conversation with those who matter most about what gambling’s really costing. If you or someone you care about is struggling, support is available.”
Sydney Kings and Flames Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Farag said: “The Sydney Kings and Flames have been proud long-term partners of Reclaim the Game, and we are excited to renew this partnership. We wish basketball to remain a family-friendly environment, and we support the message of responsible gambling. We are proud of our ongoing commitment to this message”
Illawarra Hawks General Manager Commercial Aaron Anderson said: “The Illawarra Hawks are proud to continue our partnership with Reclaim the Game and stand alongside the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames, in creating a safer, more positive sporting environment.
“By extending our partnership, we’re sending a clear message, basketball is about community, competition, and passion – not gambling. This initiative empowers fans to enjoy the game for what it truly is, while raising awareness about the support available through GambleAware.”
The post NSW Government: Play your part this GambleAware Week appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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