![australia-to-ban-the-use-of-credit-cards-in-online-gambling](https://igamingradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/123138-australia-to-ban-the-use-of-credit-cards-in-online-gambling.jpg)
![australia-to-ban-the-use-of-credit-cards-in-online-gambling](https://igamingradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/123138-australia-to-ban-the-use-of-credit-cards-in-online-gambling.jpg)
Australia
Australia to Ban the Use of Credit Cards in Online Gambling
Australians at risk of online gambling harm will be better protected through a ban on credit card payments and fines of up to $234,750 for companies who don’t enforce it, through legislation to be introduced by the Albanese Labor Government to Parliament.
The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2023 will seek to ban the use of credit cards and credit related products, as well as digital currencies, used for online wagering.
The Bill continues the Government’s priority work to protect vulnerable Australians from online gambling harms and will also provide the Minister for Communications with the power to prohibit additional credit-related products as they emerge as a way of “future proofing” the legislation.
The introduction of the Bill implements recommendations from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services (PJC Inquiry) from November 2021.
The Bill will expand the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s powers to ensure strong and effective enforcement of the new and existing civil penalty provisions under the Act. Penalties up to $234,750 could apply for any breach of the new provisions.
Industry and consumers will be provided with a six month transition period from the date of Royal Assent to change their business and betting behaviours respectively.
Since coming to Government Labor has prioritised work to reduce the harm caused by online gambling, including through implementing the final measures under the National Consumer Protection Framework.
This includes the introduction of monthly activity statements outlining wins and losses, new evidence-based taglines to replace “Gamble Responsibly,” nationally consistent training for staff working in online gambling companies and BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, which allows consumers to exclude themselves from all Australian licensed wagering services for a period of three months up to a lifetime.
In addition, the Government will also introduce mandatory customer pre-verification, requiring wagering service providers to verify a customer’s identity when they register for a new account and before they can place a bet. This requirement is expected to be in place by the end of this month.
The Government is carefully considering the recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling to inform future measures to help address the harm caused by online gambling.
A meeting of state, territory and Commonwealth ministers responsible for online wagering nationally will be held before the end of the year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“It’s as simple as this: people should not be betting with money they do not have.
“The Australian Government remains committed to protecting Australians from gambling harms.
“Legislating a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling will help to protect vulnerable Australians and their loved ones.
“I would like to thank the wide variety of stakeholders, including harm reduction advocates, wagering and lottery providers, and banking payment organisations, for their contributions to and support for this Bill.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP:
“Since coming to Government we’ve prioritised addressing the harm caused by online gambling and I’m pleased we are taking the next step with legislation to ban the use of credit cards.
“You can’t use your credit card to place a bet for land-based gambling and the same rules should apply for online gambling too.
“We’re serious about protecting vulnerable Australians from the harm we know online gambling can cause. Any platform breaching the new rules will face penalties.
“We know minimising the harm caused by online gambling is not a set and forget exercise and I look forward to working with my state and territory counterparts on what comes next to continue this positive change.”
Australia
Australia Enforces Credit Card Ban for Online Gambling
![australia-enforces-credit-card-ban-for-online-gambling](https://igamingradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/132110-australia-enforces-credit-card-ban-for-online-gambling.jpg)
Australia has enforced an online gambling credit card ban, meaning that players can no longer use them as a payment method.
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) and its members have been strong supporters of this measure and have worked with the Commonwealth Government and the financial services industry since 2021 to deliver this credit card ban.
Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Kai Cantwell said that this change was much needed, as Australians should only be gambling with money that they have.
“This is an important measure to protect customers, making it easier for people to stay in control of their own gambling behaviour,” Mr Cantwell said.
“It will complement the existing offering of safer gambling account management tools by RWA members.
“RWA and its members support the extension of this measure to all forms of gambling that have been exempted from the ban such as lotteries and keno.
“If consumer protection measures aren’t consistent across all forms of gambling it will incentivise vulnerable Australians to move to less-regulated types of gambling, where they are more at risk of harm.”
RWA members provide a range of tools to ensure people can gamble safely, many of which have been adopted by the Commonwealth Government as part of the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF).
“The NCPF is expected to be evaluated shortly and we look forward to engaging in this process to ensure that consumer protection tools are fit-for-purpose and support a safe and sustainable regulated gambling environment,” Mr Cantwell said.
The post Australia Enforces Credit Card Ban for Online Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
SCCG Management Announces Strategic Partnership with PlaySpark to Enhance Audience Retention and Acquisition through Gamified White-Labeled Arcade Games
SCCG Management is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with PlaySpark, a pioneering company specializing in gamified audience engagement solutions. This collaboration aims to leverage SCCG Management’s extensive global distribution network and business development expertise to introduce PlaySpark’s innovative white-labeled arcade games to new markets and verticals.
PlaySpark, renowned for amplifying acquisition and retention of audiences using white-labeled arcade games, offers a no-code game creator tool that enables brands to build their own games or playable ads. This solution drives higher engagement rates and generates new revenue through in-game ads and rewards. PlaySpark’s plug-and-play games significantly enhance fan engagement and revenue for sports teams and brands, magnifying acquisition by up to 700% and retention by 4X.
“We are very excited to join forces with SCCG,” said Luke Santamar, CEO of PlaySpark. “At PlaySpark, we are trying to change the game of how brands engage their audiences through white-labeled arcade gaming. Partnering with SCCG allows us to expand our footprint into the USA and globally, whilst setting up strategic pathways to drive PlaySpark into other verticals. With the experience and networks of SCCG, we look forward to working together to scale PlaySpark into multiple industries.”
SCCG Management will utilize their vast ecosystem of over 100+ clients in the gaming space, as well as their sales and strategic distribution capabilities, which are globally placed in every major region of the world. This collaboration is poised to offer teams and brands the opportunity to amplify revenue by 300% through in-game advertising and the collection of 1st/zero party data.
Stephen Crystal, CEO of SCCG Management, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with PlaySpark, a company that shares our vision for innovation in audience engagement. By integrating PlaySpark’s unique white-labeled arcade games into our network, we are confident that we can deliver unparalleled value to our clients. This partnership not only broadens our service offerings but also opens new avenues for growth and revenue generation for both SCCG and PlaySpark.”
The partnership between SCCG Management and PlaySpark marks a significant milestone in the evolution of gamified audience engagement, providing brands with powerful tools to drive engagement and revenue in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The post SCCG Management Announces Strategic Partnership with PlaySpark to Enhance Audience Retention and Acquisition through Gamified White-Labeled Arcade Games appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Victoria Commission Launches Inquiry to Help Improve Bingo Regulations
![victoria-commission-launches-inquiry-to-help-improve-bingo-regulations](https://igamingradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/131960-victoria-commission-launches-inquiry-to-help-improve-bingo-regulations.png)
Victorians will be able to help shape a fairer, more modern bingo-playing landscape as part of a wide-ranging inquiry into regulation of the gambling activity, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) announced.
By collaborating with industry stakeholders and the community, the Commission aims to deepen understanding of sector challenges and explore ways to enhance regulatory and industry practices, keeping the game social, safe and fair.
Commercially run bingo generates significant revenue. In FY23, reported bingo revenue was $107 million. This significantly exceeds Keno revenue in the same year of $61 million.
It is a game played by many communities and offers social interaction and the potential for prizes, with a proportion of proceeds designated to fund charities.
“In recent years, the commercial bingo landscape has modernised, transitioning from traditional paper-based gameplay to electronic enhancements with substantial jackpots”, said Commission Chair, Fran Thorn.
“Given this evolution, it is crucial for us to assess and address issues of fairness, integrity, and the potential for gambling harm, particularly among at risk groups such as seniors, First Nations communities, women, and lower income individuals.”
“Despite regulatory oversight, we continue to receive reports and allegations of unlicensed operators and potentially fraudulent activities,” Thorn added.
“This is an opportunity to really understand how bingo works and how it is evolving with technology. We understand the social outlet that bingo provides for many community members. We want to understand the risks, reduce the potential for harm, and put a stop to any behaviours threatening the integrity and fairness of the game.”
The VGCCC has invited all interested parties, including customers, industry participants, community organisations, and concerned citizens, to participate in the inquiry and contribute to shaping the future of Victoria’s gambling landscape.
The post Victoria Commission Launches Inquiry to Help Improve Bingo Regulations appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
gaming2 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory7 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News6 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News5 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry6 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News5 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News6 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018