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Australia

ACMA Reveals Illegal Gambling Crackdown Results

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) revealed the outcome of a crackdown on illegal online gambling services operating around the time of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The report published shows that 200 offshore services were reviewed in the lead-up to and during the event. Of those services, 21 were investigated as they appeared to be directly targeting Australians. As a result, 18 services were found to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

Following notification of the ACMA’s findings, three of those services withdrew from the Australian market, while the remaining 15 services had their websites blocked by internet service providers at the request of the ACMA.

ACMA authority member and online gambling lead Carolyn Lidgerwood said the sites were unlicensed to provide wagering services in Australia and in some cases also offered interactive gambling services such as online casinos and slots or online in-play betting, which are all banned in Australia.

“Illegal gambling operations often take advantage of high-profile sporting events to push their services onto fans. These sites also offer none of the consumer protections that apply to licensed wagering services in Australia. Using these sites is more than a gamble as you have no rights and even if you win, you may never see the money,” Ms Lidgerwood said.

Since 2019, the ACMA has been asking internet service providers to block gambling websites found to be operating in breach of Australian interactive gambling laws. Over that time, more than 900 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.

More than 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules.

Minimising gambling harm is a current ACMA compliance priority and Australians can check on the ACMA’s online register to see if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia.

More information about online gambling is available on the ACMA’s website, including information on how to protect yourself from illegal gambling operators and instructions on how to make a complaint about an illegal site.

The post ACMA Reveals Illegal Gambling Crackdown Results appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Australia

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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Australia

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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