Australia
New member joins Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority Board

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.
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.”
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.
The post New member joins Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority Board appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Changes to Tipping Off Offence Came into Effect in Australia

Businesses and individuals bound by the tipping off offence must now consider whether a disclosure could be expected to prejudice an investigation, under changes to the AML/CTF laws that came into force on March 31.
The changes to the offence, which carries a maximum penalty of around $39,000 or up to 2 years in prison, are now focussed on the harms that could flow from a disclosure.
AUSTRAC CEO, Mr Brendan Thomas, said the change is part of AML/CTF reforms passed late last year to expand and simplify the legislation.
“The previous legislation was almost 20 years old and a lot has changed in that time,” Mr Thomas said.
“AUSTRAC is about to usher in 100,000 new businesses to the regime next year and they too will be subject to the tipping off offence.
“The change to the offence is about balancing intelligence gathering with practicality to ensure we can all get the best outcome – identifying criminal activity and driving money laundering out of legitimate businesses.
“We need businesses to work with us to detect illicit transactions – tipping off risks criminals getting a heads up. Criminals can then take action to hide or disguise their illegal activities. However, we know that effective information sharing within and between businesses helps stop money laundering.”
Businesses and individuals covered by the AML/CTF legislation, including banks, casinos, remitters and money lenders, are now prohibited from disclosing certain information to another person (other than AUSTRAC), only where it would or could reasonably be expected to prejudice an investigation.
“The move to a focus on harms strikes a better balance between protecting law enforcement investigations and allowing industry to collaborate in fighting money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious crimes.”
While the tipping off offence changes from March 31, most of the obligations under the amended AML/CTF Act will not come into effect until 2026, when entities in real estate, accounting, precious stones and metals and digital assets come under AUSTRAC’s remit.
The post Changes to Tipping Off Offence Came into Effect in Australia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Vanguard Overwatch Announces New Partnership Deal with McAtamney & Advisors

Vanguard Overwatch and McAtamney & Advisors have announced a strategic partnership that brings together leading expertise in anti-money laundering (AML), safer gambling and regulatory strategy to deliver tailored, end-to-end solutions for gambling operators and regulators navigating complex, high-stakes environments.
Vanguard Overwatch is a specialist advisory firm dedicated to advancing gambling-related public policy and regulatory excellence, strengthening industry capability and helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments.
This formal collaboration expands the reach of Vanguard Overwatch’s pioneering Accreditation Programme, which delivers independent assurance and practical insights to uplift capability, demonstrate leadership and mitigate compliance risks.
Built around eight foundational pillars, the programme provides a structured evaluation of governance, AML/CTF processes, safer gambling practices and organisational culture—equipping venues and online operators to meet evolving regulatory expectations with confidence.
Paul Newson, principal at Vanguard Overwatch, said: “This partnership significantly enhances our ability to support clients navigating regulatory complexity and scrutiny. Together, we’re delivering sharp, independent analysis and tailored strategic advice that helps operators meet their obligations, protect their reputation, and drive better social and economic outcomes.”
James McAtamney, managing director of McAtamney & Advisors, has been appointed a principal at Vanguard Overwatch as part of the partnership.
He said: “We’re proud to align with Vanguard Overwatch to support operators in building high-performing compliance systems and engaging confidently with regulators. Our combined capabilities create a powerful platform to support clients across strategy, licensing, AML/CTF, and safer gambling.”
Both firms are active contributors to sector reform and participate in key industry and policy forums, including Regulating the Game and the International Association of Gaming Regulators. The partnership will also support the development of new service offerings, including rapid AML and safer gambling health checks and bespoke regulatory support for operators under pressure.
The post Vanguard Overwatch Announces New Partnership Deal with McAtamney & Advisors appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Gaming Compliance Checks Underway Across Regional NSW

Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) is conducting a compliance operation across regional NSW throughout March to ensure venues adhere to gaming regulations that promote responsible gambling and reduce harm.
Inspectors will visit clubs and hotels to ensure venues understand and comply with external gambling signage rules and recent changes to requirements for the location of ATMs and cash dispensing facilities.
They will also check that venues have appointed Responsible Gambling Officers, maintained Gambling Incident Registers and adhered to Gaming Plans of Management.
L&GNSW Acting Executive Director of Regulatory Operations Bernadette Beard said the operation is part of an ongoing effort to work with venues to ensure responsible gambling laws are upheld.
“Our compliance operation is well underway, with inspectors visiting venues across regional NSW to ensure they are aware of their obligations,” Ms Beard said.
“A key focus will be on the gaming reforms that took effect on January 1, 2025, which mandate that ATMs and other cash dispensing facilities must be positioned at least five metres from gaming room entrances or exits and kept out of sight from gaming areas and machines,” Jakob Rothwangl said.
Ms Beard said recent inspections in Sydney and other metropolitan areas have identified multiple venues not following the rules, leading to penalties where necessary.
“Since the new cash dispensing rules were introduced, L&GNSW has visited more than 900 clubs and hotels, issuing 53 cautions and three penalty infringement notices to 44 non-compliant venues, with several others under investigation,” Ms Beard said.
“We’re here to assist venues in meeting their responsibilities, but compliance is essential, and enforcement action will be taken where required.”
The post Gaming Compliance Checks Underway Across Regional NSW appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Aristocrat Interactive5 days ago
Aristocrat Interactive Delivers Custom Branded Game “Caesars Ultimate Stars” for Caesars Sportsbook & Casino
-
Blokotech6 days ago
Blokotech appoints Nicolas Castearena as Commercial Director LATAM
-
BCLC6 days ago
BCLC Launches “What’s played here stays here” Campaign
-
Latest News5 days ago
Embark on an Epic Adventure with Jenny Nevada in the Diamond Temple at SlotsCapital.lv – Enjoy a 150% Deposit Bonus
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Continent 8 achieves ISO 50001 certification, championing responsible energy management in its data centres
-
Latest News6 days ago
Enhanced bonus play and stylish collects await in Blueprint Gaming’s Kong 3 Even Bigger Bonus™
-
Cryptocurrency5 days ago
Slotland Entertainment Rolls out Dazzling New Slot, 8 Crystals, Across Multiple Brands with new Cryptocurrency Integration
-
Asia6 days ago
FOMO7 Expands Platform with 46 New Indian Lottery Games