Connect with us
westpac-nz-introduces-gambling-account-block-to-support-customers westpac-nz-introduces-gambling-account-block-to-support-customers

Industry News

Westpac NZ Introduces Gambling Account Block to Support Customers

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Westpac NZ has introduced an account block to support customers struggling with online gambling.

Louisa Brock, Westpac NZ Manager Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability, leads the bank’s Extra Care team and says the optional block is something customers have been asking for.

“We know gambling can become an addiction for some people, at which point it can cause significant harm. By introducing the gambling block, we’re empowering our customers to stay in control of their finances,” Ms Brock says.

From 26 June to 25 September 2023, Westpac customers spent $136.8 million with online gambling merchants (compared with $3.2m spent at physical gambling locations in that period). Nearly half of that online spend was with TAB and Lotto, with the remainder distributed among various online gambling businesses.

“While the block only applies to online transactions, our data shows that the majority of gambling spending does take place online. We’ve updated our website to let customers know that the block’s available if they’re looking for support with a gambling problem,” Ms Brock says.

Westpac customers can call the bank or visit a branch to request a gambling block – the block will then be applied to all their credit/debit cards.

When the block is in place, it means a customer can’t use their card for online transactions with gambling businesses (the transaction will be declined). The block doesn’t stop transactions at physical gambling locations, such as casinos or buying a lottery ticket at a retail outfit. Once the block has been set up, it will stay in place for a minimum of three months before a customer can request to remove it.

Ms Brock says Westpac has already had feedback from customers that the block can make a difference.

“In one example, a customer received an inheritance payment of more than $100,000, then over the next 12 days spent more than $15,000 gambling online,” Ms Brock says.

“When the customer was told that we could put a block on their account to help them manage their spending, they jumped at the opportunity. The customer told our team that they were desperate to quit gambling, but found it difficult to control on their own.

“Admitting you have a problem is a really brave thing to do. Letting customers know that the gambling block is available hopefully makes it easier for them to have those conversations with our teams, as well as empowering our people to best support our customers.

“As well as introducing the gambling block, we’ve trained our customer-facing teams to have constructive conversations with customers who may be struggling with gambling. Our people can also work with these customers to structure their accounts to limit gambling spend.”

The introduction of the gambling block is the latest initiative in Westpac’s Extra Care programme of work. Earlier this year, Westpac NZ launched the use of an interpreting service to support customers who don’t speak English, and updated its bankruptcy policy to improve access to basic banking services for Kiwis going through tough times.

The bank has also worked with the Department of Corrections to make it possible for prisoners nearing their release date to open bank accounts, as well as partnered with Oranga Tamariki and advocacy organisation VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai to help young people in state care to get a bank account and access financial education.

“We’re working hard to help improve outcomes for our customers and communities,” Ms Brock says.

The post Westpac NZ Introduces Gambling Account Block to Support Customers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Industry News

Allwyn Launches Player Protection Lab

Published

on

allwyn-launches-player-protection-lab
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Allwyn, the lottery-led gaming entertainment company, has announced the launch of Allwyn Player Protection Lab, a global responsible gaming initiative aimed at supporting novel research and innovation to advance player safety.

Opening immediately for applications, the programme will support academics and experts working in the field of responsible gaming to explore new ideas, concepts and perspectives. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals focusing on one of three key areas: digital innovation; using messaging to drive positive play; and developing effective safety tools.

Following the open call for applications, awards will be made for successful projects of up to €100,000, dependent on the scope of the prospective proposal.

The project demonstrates Allwyn’s commitment to developing global leading practice in responsible gaming. The call for applications will ensure Allwyn is casting the widest net and has the best chance to uncover new and interesting approaches to protecting players.

Nicole Garrett, Head of Responsible Gaming at Allwyn, said: “The Player Protection Lab is an exciting new avenue for Allwyn. Our responsible gaming team is seeking proposals that will encourage progress in player safety and break new ground in our industry. We hope that by opening the application process, we will have the opportunity to explore genuinely new ideas and draw lessons from other sectors.”

The call for proposals will run until 14 November.

The post Allwyn Launches Player Protection Lab appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Industry News

Creedroomz Introduces Cashout Blackjack

Published

on

creedroomz-introduces-cashout-blackjack
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Creedroomz has launched Cashout Blackjack, a new version of its popular Live Blackjack game designed to redefine player engagement. This major update features a groundbreaking Side Bet Gamble mechanic, a completely redesigned UI and other key enhancements that deliver a new standard of excitement.

The Side Bet Gamble is an industry-first feature that gives players total control over their side bet winnings. Unlike traditional bonus rounds that are passive or tied to specific game events, this optional decision occurs only for players who have won a side bet, right at the end of the round after the last dealer card has been dealt. Players are given a choice: Gamble their winnings for a chance to double their payout, or Skip and keep their original amount. This high-stakes, real-time decision point transforms every win into an exhilarating risk-reward moment.

Cashout Blackjack also includes a suite of powerful updates:

Sleek New UI: A fully redesigned interface built for seamless usability on all devices.

Rebalanced Side Bets: Payouts have been rebalanced to make side bets more compelling and rewarding.

Auto-stand applied on hard / non-splitable scores of 17, 18, 19 and 20.

The new Cashout Blackjack, complete with the Side Bet Gamble feature, is now available to all Creedroomz partners. This launch underscores Creedroomz’s strategic vision to provide partners with groundbreaking tools that ensure they remain at the forefront of the competitive iGaming market.

The post Creedroomz Introduces Cashout Blackjack appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Industry News

Onlyplay Releases Gold Oktoberfest Video Slot

Published

on

onlyplay-releases-gold-oktoberfest-video-slot
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Onlyplay has released its latest game Gold Oktoberfest! This vibrant video slot takes you straight into the heart of the world’s most joyful celebration, where laughter fills the air, the smell of grilled sausages drifts through the crowd and every corner glitters with the promise of unexpected treasures. From the very first spin you are no longer just a player – you are a guest of honour at the grand Oktoberfest, with reels that shine like freshly polished beer mugs and symbols that dance with colour and flavour.

The reels are alive with frothy mugs of beer, golden pretzels, hunter hats with bright feathers, shining hops and bursting wursts, each symbol bringing a little more of that irresistible Bavarian charm to your screen. The mascot himself, a cheerful fellow in traditional costume with a hearty laugh and a stein in his hand, welcomes you into the game with warmth and good fortune, reminding you that this is not just a slot – this is a festival of joy, risk and reward. Every spin feels like another toast, another clink of mugs, another chance to step closer to the treasure hidden beneath the foam.

As the game unfolds, the atmosphere grows more intense. You feel the adrenaline rush with every coin that lands, the suspense when the reels slow down, the electricity of risk turning into triumph when the screen lights up with a jackpot win. Mini, Major or even Grand – each prize feels like the ultimate cheer from the crowd, a standing ovation of golden confetti and roaring applause. And when the bonus round begins, it’s like the music swells, the lights grow brighter and the party rises to a whole new level, carrying you on a wave of excitement that never seems to end.

The post Onlyplay Releases Gold Oktoberfest Video Slot appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending