Australia

MULTICULTURAL SERVICE SPEAKS GAMBLING HARMS

Published

2 years ago

January 21, 2022

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A new service provider has been appointed to support the provision of multicultural services for the Office of Responsible Gambling’s flagship GambleAware program.

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is now working with GambleAware Providers to deliver culturally appropriate counselling and support services for people experiencing gambling harm across NSW’s diverse communities.

WSLHD have more than 20 years’ experience delivering multicultural services through the Transcultural Mental Health Centre and previously operated the state-wide Multicultural Problem Gambling Service.

WSLHD Chief Executive Graeme Loy said: “We’re looking forward to working with all GambleAware Providers across NSW to build capacity to support multicultural communities and deliver culturally appropriate services.

“Our goal is to ensure that anyone who needs help can speak to someone in the language they are most comfortable with, and who understands both their culture and community.”

The GambleAware multicultural service complements the NSW Government’s broader GambleAware program, which provides free and confidential counselling to anyone in NSW experiencing gambling harm.

Office of Responsible Gambling Director, Natalie Wright, said that gambling issues affect all communities in NSW, particularly those from culturally diverse backgrounds, and everyone should be supported when facing gambling harm.

“It’s important that our services can reach everyone who needs them,” said Ms Wright.

“No matter your background, you are able to access appropriate support in the language and setting that best suits you.”

Research funded by the Office of Responsible Gambling found culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities are vulnerable to increased risks of gambling related harm. Individuals from these communities tend to participate in gambling less than the overall population but, when they do, are more likely to experience problems.

Intersecting factors can also combine to generate higher incidence of gambling harms in CALD communities. For example: different beliefs about luck and chance; migration stressors; issues around stigma and shame; and lower rates of people seeking treatment.

WSLHD Chief Executive Graeme Loy said: “Given these vulnerabilities, this partnership is a great opportunity to connect multicultural communities across NSW with vital support services.”

Australia

ACMA Blocks More Illegal Gambling Websites

Published

2 days ago

May 24, 2024

Niji Narayan

acma-blocks-more-illegal-gambling-websites

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal gambling websites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites blocked include Jogi Casino, Dundee Slots, Lucky Hunter, Lucky Wins, Lukki Casino, Spin Fever, Clubhouse Casino and Winport Casino.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal gambling services. This action can be taken if a service is:

providing prohibited interactive gambling services to customers in Australia (such as online casinos, online slot machines and services that allow in-play online sports betting)
providing an unlicensed regulated interactive gambling service to customers in Australia (such as online betting services that don’t have a valid Australian licence)
publishing ads for prohibited interactive gambling services or unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services in Australia.

Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 975 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Over 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules.

The post ACMA Blocks More Illegal Gambling Websites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Australia

Jumbo Enters into New SaaS Agreement with RSPCA Queensland

Published

2 days ago

May 24, 2024

Niji Narayan

jumbo-enters-into-new-saas-agreement-with-rspca-queensland

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Jumbo Interactive Limited announced that it has entered into a software license agreement with RSPCA Queensland (RSPCA) for the RSPCA national lottery programme.

The current RSPCA national lottery programme generates ~$10m in annual ticket sales. These funds are essential to keeping charities like RSPCA Queensland operating as they are 95.5% community-funded.

Jumbo CEO and Founder, Mike Veverka, said: “We’re very excited to be working with the RSPCA, an iconic brand in Australia, to help it digitally transform and grow their lottery program, and continue to provide lifesaving animal welfare services across Australia.”

RSPCA Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Darren Maier, said: “Growing our supporter base is vital for us to continue to deliver our operations and programs that see us care for and protect over 42,000 animals in Queensland every year. Jumbo’s best-in-class lottery software and demonstrated experience in growing lottery programs were instrumental in the establishment of this strategic partnership.”

The agreement includes a license fee structure in which Jumbo’s SaaS segment will receive a service fee for RSPCA’s utilisation of the “Powered by Jumbo” (PBJ) platform and an additional service fee for select technology-enabled services. The overall service fee will be calculated as a percentage of gross ticket sales from the RSPCA national lottery programme and will be in the mid to high-single digit range, reflecting the scale of the lottery programme.

The agreement is for a three year term with an option to extend for a further three years. The RSPCA national lottery programme is expected to transition to the PBJ platform in 1QFY25.

In addition, Jumbo has entered into a product reseller agreement with RSPCA, facilitating the sale of RSPCA lottery tickets on ozlotteries.

The post Jumbo Enters into New SaaS Agreement with RSPCA Queensland appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Australia

AUSTRAC and SkyCity agree to proposed $67 million penalty

Published

6 days ago

May 20, 2024

George Miller

austrac-and-skycity-agree-to-proposed-$67-million-penalty

Reading Time: < 1 minute

SkyCity Adelaide Pty Ltd (SkyCity) and AUSTRAC have filed joint submissions with the Federal Court of Australia, proposing a $67 million penalty over the casino’s contravention of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act).

A court hearing has been set down for 7 June 2024, at which Justice Lee will consider the parties’ proposed settlement.

While AUSTRAC and SkyCity agree that a $67 million penalty is appropriate in all the circumstances, it is a matter for the court to determine the appropriate penalty.

In reaching this agreement, SkyCity has admitted that it operated in contravention of the AML/CTF Act, including that:

its AML/CTF Programs did not meet the requirements of the AML/CTF Act and AML/CTF Rules, in contravention of section 81.
it did not carry out appropriate ongoing customer due diligence with respect to certain higher risk customers and customers transacting through higher risk channels, in contravention of section 36.

“AUSTRAC took this action out of concern that SkyCity’s conduct meant that a range of high-risk practices, behaviours and customer relationships were allowed to continue unchecked for many years,” AUSTRAC’s Chief Executive Officer, Brendan Thomas said.

Mr Thomas said the action serves as an important reminder to casinos and the gaming sector to take their AML/CTF obligations seriously and be vigilant to money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

As the matter is before the court for determination, AUSTRAC is unable to comment further on the proceedings.

The post AUSTRAC and SkyCity agree to proposed $67 million penalty appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.