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Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Launches New App to Tackle Gambling Harm

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The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has launched a new app to tackle gambling harm.

Funded by a $200,000 investment from the Andrews Labor Government, the free Reset app offers people insight into why they gamble and provides strategies for tracking and managing gambling behaviours.

The interactive program was developed using research conducted by Deakin University and uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and motivational interviewing techniques to support people struggling with their gambling habits.

The app has been clinically tested to be used as an alternative to, or in combination with, traditional in-person counselling services.

Users can set their own goals and work through a range of interactive modules and activities at their own pace, covering challenges such as learning to cope with urges, avoiding unplanned gambling episodes and dealing with relapse as a normal part of the recovery process.

“We understand the importance of minimising gambling harm and ensuring all Victorians have access to the help they need – this app is another way we’re supporting people at risk of problematic gambling behaviour,” Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Melissa Horne said.

“The Reset app provides a great alternative to traditional counselling methods, removing barriers such as stigma that can prevent people from seeking help,” Melissa Horne added.

“The Reset app is an important addition to our suite of gambling harm treatment and support options and uses evidence-based best practice to mirror the experience of, or interventions used in, a counselling setting,” Shane Lucas, CEO of Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, said.

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VGCCC Fines Werribee RSL for Self-exclusion Failures

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The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Werribee RSL $30,000 for failing to prevent 2 self-excluded customers from gambling.

VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said: “This is the first time the VGCCC has taken disciplinary action against a club or hotel for self-exclusion breaches.

“Self-exclusion programs empower people to manage their gambling by registering to be temporarily or permanently blocked from entering gambling areas of clubs, pubs and casinos.

“By failing to respect a person’s decision to self-exclude, a venue may put customers who have decided to take a break from gambling, or quit altogether, at risk of experiencing gambling harm.”

In January 2024, the VGCCC received an anonymous tip-off that a self-excluded person entered the Werribee RSL gaming room and used the poker machines. The venue self-reported a second breach in May 2024, after realising a different customer had gambled at the venue on at least 4 occasions between February and May 2024.

Ms Neilan said: “Taking disciplinary action is the last resort. We would prefer venues take their harm minimisation responsibilities seriously by complying with their legal obligations, including through the effective implementation of tools like self-exclusion.

“Venues and their staff are the last line of defence for self-excluded customers, who should be able to trust that their decision to self-exclude will be respected. They must have the appropriate controls in place to prevent self-excluded people from entering gaming rooms.”

The VGCCC acknowledged that Werribee RSL cooperated with the investigations and has since taken steps to strengthen its procedures. These include improved and regular staff training, daily audits of the self-exclusion register and greater use of technology to identify self-excluded customers who attempt to enter the gaming room.

This remedial action was taken into consideration in determining the amount of the fine.

The post VGCCC Fines Werribee RSL for Self-exclusion Failures appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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ACMA: ReadyBet Breaches Gambling Self-exclusion Rules

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued ReadyBet with a remedial direction after the company marketed to customers who had registered with BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).

An ACMA investigation found ReadyBet sent 273 texts and push notifications from its mobile app to self-excluded individuals.

Separately, the company also failed to promote the NSER in 2342 push notifications despite it being mandatory to promote BetStop in any marketing electronic messages.

The ACMA issued the remedial direction so that ReadyBet takes action to prevent it breaching the rules in the future.

Under the remedial direction, ReadyBet must commission an independent review of its marketing systems, including its use of third-party suppliers.

ReadyBet must also engage a provider to deliver training to its staff to avoid messages being sent to self-excluded individuals.

The ACMA may seek civil penalties if ReadyBet does not comply with the remedial direction.

The post ACMA: ReadyBet Breaches Gambling Self-exclusion Rules appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Unibet Expands Partnership with Sydney Roosters to Support NRLW Team

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Unibet Australia has expanded its partnership with the Sydney Roosters, now including sponsorship of the club’s NRLW team.

This milestone marks a significant step in Unibet’s commitment to gender parity in sport and the continued evolution of rugby league.

Building on a successful and long-standing relationship with the Roosters’ men’s team, this new chapter reflects Unibet’s dedication to supporting the growth of women’s sport and aligning with the values of equality, opportunity and community.

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with the Sydney Roosters to include the NRLW side. This isn’t just about sponsorship—it’s about recognising the incredible talent, passion, and professionalism of the women’s game and ensuring it receives the same backing and visibility as the men’s,” said General Manager Nathan Reeves

The NRLW has seen exponential growth in recent years, with increasing fan engagement, media coverage and grassroots participation. Unibet’s expanded support aims to help accelerate this momentum and provide the Roosters’ female athletes with the same elite-level resources and recognition.

Chief Operating Officer of the Sydney Roosters, Jarrod Johnstone, said: “Unibet has been a valued partner of our club for years, and their decision to support our NRLW team speaks volumes about their belief in the future of women’s rugby league. This partnership is a powerful statement about parity and progress.”

The Partnership was celebrated at the first game of the season where the Roosters defeated the Warriors 30-6. Unibet staff, friends and family attended the match welcoming the team on the field with a guard of honour.

Nicholas Porta, Unibet’s Head of Marketing, said: “Our staff work so hard in delivering our products it was a great way to give back and introduce new fans to the elite women’s game.”

Marketing Manager Belinda McNulty and the Roosters team have worked in the off season to ensure the partnership extends beyond the logo on playing kit with a launch race day, custom products for the players lounge and bespoke assets across LED and digital to engage fans and celebrate the achievements of the defending premiers.

The post Unibet Expands Partnership with Sydney Roosters to Support NRLW Team appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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