The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has introduced new standards for how activity statements should be presented to wagering account holders. The new standards require providers to use plain English and avoid unnecessary vocabulary. The use of colours is limited to black and red to represent losses.

The VGCCC took the measure after finding inconsistencies in the way information was displayed on sample activity statements across different providers. Account holders must be able to see how much of their own money they have lost, with free and bonus bets excluded from the net loss figures. Net wins must be shown with stakes deducted. The gambling harm taglines that appear at the end of wagering ads must be displayed on each statement.

The new standards came into force on April 1. Failure to comply could result in a penalty of 60 penalty units, equivalent to AU$11,538.60 for each non-compliant activity statement issued.

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VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM said: “The days of inconsistent player activity statements are over. Wagering account holders will be better informed about their spending – and therefore better equipped to make informed decisions about their gambling – thanks to the clarity and fairness these changes bring.”

NSW Swifts and Giants have joined the NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game initiative.

Under the initiative, the Swifts and Giants will turn down sports betting sponsorship for the next two years, and will educate fans, players and staff about gambling harm in the community through messaging at home games and on digital and social media.

Reclaim the Game works with a total of 13 partners across 18 teams in six codes, including netball, AFL, A-League, cricket, NBL and NRL.

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Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has reached millions of sports fans through more than 260 games, both on TV and in stadiums.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “It is fantastic to see more NSW teams join Reclaim the Game and raise community awareness of harms linked to sports betting and gambling. These partnerships are a strong reminder that you don’t need to have a bet to show support for your team.

“Netball ranks among Australia’s top sports, boasting more than 1.2 million players nationwide and is also the top choice for female athletes.

“The new partnerships with netball come at the perfect time as community interest in women’s sport soars with record nationwide participation in the sport and the Diamonds reclaiming the World Cup in South Africa.

“Elite players are role models for young athletes and fans. The Reclaim the Game partnerships with NSW Swifts and Giants Netball will engage a vast young fan base, ensuring they are protected from betting ads and can develop positive associations with sport.”

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Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott said: “On behalf of Netball NSW, I am delighted to welcome Reclaim the Game to our family across the NSW Swifts and the Giants Netball.

“Alongside some of NSW’s other cherished sporting teams and codes, we are proud to join Reclaim the Game which looks to reconnect fans with their love of the games they follow.

“As the most popular community sport in the state, and the leading elite female code, we are committed to playing a role in educating our fans, participants and the broader community about the risks associated with gambling and the harm it can cause.

“The joy of our game is its theatre, especially at Super Netball level when the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball go head-to-head with the world’s best, and we always look to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to immerse themselves into the excitement of our game.”

The NSW Government has appointed a new member to the board of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA).

ILGA is a statutory decision-maker responsible for a range of liquor, registered club, music festival and gaming machine regulatory functions including determining licensing and disciplinary matters under the gaming and liquor legislation.

Chris Honey, one of the founding partners of McGrathNicol, has been appointed to the ILGA board for three years.

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ILGA chairperson Ms Caroline Lamb welcomed the appointment of Chris Honey to the ILGA board.

“Mr Honey has considerable skills and experience in the advisory and restructuring field, including working extensively in highly regulated sectors, which will be invaluable for the board,” Ms Lamb said.

“He held the role of National Risk Partner for McGrathNicol and conducted investigations for major banks and other secured lenders.

“People appointed to the ILGA board must be of the highest integrity and promote fair, transparent and efficient decision-making.

“Mr Honey clearly meets these requirements.”

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Mr Honey has a strong financial and accounting background, having worked in the advisory and restructuring field for almost four decades in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East.

He retired as a partner of McGrathNicol in 2015 and remains a consultant to the New Zealand business, as well as being honorary treasurer of the Royal Humane Society of NSW.

Mr Honey commenced his term as an ILGA board member on 12 February 2024.

His appointment brings the ILGA board membership to six.

Mr Honey joins chairperson Caroline Lamb, deputy chairperson Sarah Dinning and members Cathie Armour, Jeffrey Loy APM and Dr Suzanne Craig.

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