The organisers of Regulating the Game have announced the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) as a confirmed judge for the inaugural RTG Global Awards, to be presented at the Regulating the Game 2026 Gala Dinner on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Sydney.

The RTG Global Awards celebrate excellence in leadership, innovation and impact across community impact, compliance, safer gambling, industry integrity and financial crime risk management. The Awards form part of the sixth edition of Regulating the Game, an international conference committed to enhancing sector integrity, regulatory capability and ethical leadership.

Founded in 2005, IBIA is the leading global voice on integrity for the licensed betting industry. It is a not-for-profit association whose members include many of the world’s largest regulated betting operators, active across six continents. IBIA plays a crucial role in safeguarding sport and the betting industry from corruption, operating a world-leading monitoring and alert platform and collaborating with regulators and sports governing bodies around the world.

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Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, joins the RTG Global Awards judging panel, bringing deep sector expertise and a steadfast commitment to integrity and responsible betting practices.

He said: “I am honoured to join the judging panel for the RTG Global Awards. At IBIA, we are dedicated to upholding integrity and transparency across the global betting landscape. These Awards spotlight the organisations and individuals working to advance ethical conduct and effective regulation, and we are proud to support that mission.”

Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, welcomed the announcement: “Khalid’s appointment and IBIA’s involvement reflect the global calibre and integrity-centred mission of the Awards. Their leadership in monitoring and protecting sport from betting-related corruption aligns perfectly with our vision to champion excellence and elevate standards across the sector.”

• The RTG Global Awards will feature six categories:

• Leadership Voice – for principled, reform-focused leadership contributing to sector uplift

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• Safer Gambling Champion – for operators or organisations demonstrating tangible harm minimisation outcomes

• Compliance Excellence – recognising uplift in AML, risk culture, or regulatory compliance

• RegTech Solution of the Year – celebrating innovative technologies improving sector integrity and compliance

• Community Impact Initiative – for initiatives delivering measurable community benefit

• Emerging Leader – Safer Gambling or Compliance – spotlighting rising talent (under 40) making meaningful contributions.

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Key Dates:

• Nominations Open: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

• Nominations Close: Friday, December 12, 2025

• Finalists Announced: Monday, February, 2 2026

• Awards Presented: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Regulating the Game Gala Dinner.

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Nominations will open on July 1, 2025, with further details and submission guidelines available at: www.regulatingthegame.com/global-awards-2026.

Regulating the Game 2026 has welcomed its first joint sponsors, CherryHub and Ebet, two Australian companies driving transformation across the gaming and hospitality sectors.

Now in its sixth edition, Regulating the Game has cemented its reputation as the premier gambling law and regulation conference. Returning to Sydney in March 2026, the event will again bring together global regulators, industry pioneers and compliance professionals for three dynamic days of policy and sector dialogue, strategic insights and capability building.

The programme will span high-impact keynotes and panel sessions addressing regulatory challenges, financial crime and public policy reform; innovation showcases exploring AI, RegTech and emerging technology; and deep dives into safer gambling, risk management and compliance uplift.

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With expert-led masterclasses and the return of Pitch!, now hosted at the iconic Yallamundi Rooms at the Sydney Opera House, Regulating the Game 2026 will “continue to shape the future of not only effective and leading-edge gambling regulation, but also a forward-thinking, innovative, and socially responsible industry,” the organisers noted.

Frank Makryllos, Managing Director and CEO of Ebet, said: “Regulating the Game plays a critical role in fostering the collaboration and thought leadership our industry needs. As suppliers, Ebet and Cherry Hub are committed to equipping venues with practical tools to manage risk, support safer gambling practices, and meet evolving regulatory expectations, including AML/CTF and financial crime compliance.”

Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, said: “CherryHub and Ebet represent the innovation and integrity we seek to champion through Regulating the Game. Their support reflects a strong alignment with our mission to promote evidence-led policy, ethical leadership, and safer gambling outcomes.”

With a refreshed agenda, an expanded Exhibition Showcase, and the return of the Pitch! Challenge, Regulating the Game 2026 is “set to raise the bar once again, fostering critical dialogue, driving collaboration, and advancing not only regulatory excellence but also a vibrant, innovative, and ethically led industry,” the organisers concluded.

The Crown Perth Board (Burswood Limited) has announced two significant leadership appointments, subject to regulatory approval.

Ben Wyatt was appointed Director and Chair-Elect to the Board of Crown Perth, bringing a wealth of experience to the position and having previously held range of Ministerial portfolios during his 15 years in the West Australian State Parliament, including as Treasurer.

Current Chair John Van Der Wielen will remain on the board over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

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In addition to this, the Board has appointed Brian Pereira as Crown Perth CEO, pending regulatory approvals.

Mr Pereira joined Crown in 2023 as Chief Financial Officer having previously held the role of CFO at Perth Airport. He brings more than 30 years of financial and corporate strategic leadership experience in the tourism, entertainment, aviation and banking sectors, in both Australia and UK.

Mr John Borghetti, Chair of Crown Resorts, said: “Both of these appointees are highly regarded and are ideally positioned to lead Crown Perth. I would also like to thank John Van Der Wielen for his leadership and dedication to Crown over the last three years and deeply appreciate his decision to remain with Crown to ensure a smooth transition.”

Crown Resorts CEO David Tsai said: “I am confident that these two appointments, with their deep local knowledge of the WA tourism sector and economy, are the right people to lead the Perth team into the next exciting era of growth for the State’s only fully integrated entertainment resort.”

Crown Perth Board Chair John Van Der Wielen said: “My appointment as Crown Perth Chair in 2022 has been a great challenge, assisting the team in undertaking one of the most complex transformations in Australia. Appointing a new CEO and Chair-Elect brings to fruition much of the significant work undertaken in the last three years and I am very confident the business will prosper with so many new and exciting opportunities.”

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Chair-Elect Ben Wyatt said: “As Western Australia’s largest single site employer, Crown is a key part of the Western Australian economy, and I am excited to be joining a business that delivers some of Perth’s most exciting developments, entertainment offerings and tourism opportunities.”

Crown Perth CEO Brian Pereira said: “I couldn’t be prouder to have been appointed to lead the great team of more than 5000 people here at Perth’s ultimate entertainment destination. It is an enormous privilege to be appointed to this role, and I look forward being a part of a growing business that continues to create memorable guest experiences, supports the local economy and gives back to our community.”