Connect with us

Australia

COVID COMPLIANCE BLITZ SET FOR SYDNEY

Published

on

Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors, along with inspectors from Safework NSW and Fair Trading NSW, will be visiting hospitality venues across Sydney to check businesses are complying with the latest COVID-19 Public Health Orders.

Acting Director Compliance Liquor & Gaming NSW Darren Duke said inspectors will be out targeting Bondi and the surrounding areas starting today.

“It is critically important that all people visiting hospitality venues must remember to check-in using the Service NSW QR Code,” Mr Duke said.

“The COVID-Safe requirements are in place for an important reason, and all venues need to make sure they are fully compliant.”

Around 40 inspectors will be assessing if venues have COVID Safety Plans in place, are adhering to check-in processes, and ensuring they are respecting the physical distancing and mask wearing requirements.

“Venues not complying with the Public Health Orders pose a clear and significant risk to public health and any venues found breaching the rules may be subject to a fine or in serious cases could face a closure of their venue,” Mr Duke said.

Under the latest orders, staff across all hospitality venues in Greater Sydney must wear a mask when working indoors and the one person per four square metre rule has been reintroduced for all indoor and outdoor settings. Patrons are also required to remain seated while drinking and cannot engage in singing or dancing.

Over the past two months, Liquor & Gaming NSW has conducted over 200 inspections of hospitality venues issuing 14 fines totalling $40,000.

All members of the public are encouraged to report any potential COVID safety breaches on nsw.gov.au and do their bit in keeping the community safe.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Australia

Entain’s Andrew Vouris to Speak at Regulating the Game 2026

Published

on

entain’s-andrew-vouris-to-speak-at-regulating-the-game-2026
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Leading gaming law and regulation conference Regulating the Game has announced the newly appointed CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand as its first Featured Speaker for its March 2026 event in Sydney.

The conference is scheduled to take place from 9 to 11 March 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Andrew Vouris, who was appointed CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand in August, brings almost two decades of leadership experience in wagering, operations and innovation at some of Australia’s largest wagering operators.

His career spans senior leadership roles in Tabcorp’s multi-billion dollar wagering and media business, heading global operations of a pioneering esports and wagering platform, and partnering with private equity to build early-stage ventures in esports. Across these roles he has been deeply engaged in navigating complex regulatory and compliance challenges.

Since stepping into the CEO role at Entain Australia and New Zealand, Vouris has outlined his desire to embed a culture of “win, but not at all costs”, to return to the basics of selling bets and to lead innovation while ensuring customers are protected.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak at Regulating the Game 2026, which provides a unique global platform for advancing dialogue between regulators, industry and thought leaders,” Vouris said.

“At a time when public expectations and regulatory demands are at an all-time high, I look forward to sharing Entain’s vision for balancing sustainable growth, compliance leadership, and customer protection.”

Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, added: “Andrew’s leadership vision for Entain and his extensive track record across wagering and esports bring an important perspective to Regulating the Game 2026. His focus on culture, compliance and innovation aligns strongly with the values of the conference, and we are thrilled to feature his insights as part of this year’s program.”

The post Entain’s Andrew Vouris to Speak at Regulating the Game 2026 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Australia

AUSTRAC Intelligence Helps Crack Gold Laundering Case Linked to Gambling

Published

on

austrac-intelligence-helps-crack-gold-laundering-case-linked-to-gambling
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

AUSTRAC intelligence sparked an investigation that helped the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) to uncover a NSW police officer who sold more than $1.3 million in family gold bars to fund a gambling addiction.

The officer was found by the LECC to have engaged in serious misconduct after taking 12 gold bars, weighing 50 ounces each that belonged to his uncle and was stored underneath his mother’s house.

He falsified know your customer forms to sell the bullion to 2 dealers, claiming the gold was a birthday gift or inheritance and then he used the proceeds on sports betting apps and later admitted to the false information stating he “needed the money”.

AUSTRAC first raised the alarm by flagging transactions, including significant gold sales to a bullion dealer with reported money laundering links.

Operation Dartmoor was launched and uncovered the full extent of misconduct.

The officer resigned from the NSW Police Force and has been referred to the Department of Public Prosecutions.

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said the case highlights the risks facing the bullion sector.

“Gambling harm doesn’t just drain bank accounts, it can drive desperate people into crime,” Mr Thomas said.

“When gambling turns to addiction, people often look for fast money and that can mean stealing, fraud or money laundering.

“Bullion is portable, valuable and attractive to people wanting to use it illegitimately.

“If you trade in bullion, you are part of the front line in stopping its exploitation.

“Your AML/CTF controls are the difference between being a trusted dealer or a weak link for crime.

“Every transaction is a potential red flag – it’s your responsibility to look twice, and if needed, report it.”

The post AUSTRAC Intelligence Helps Crack Gold Laundering Case Linked to Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Australia

Mindway AI and Crown Resorts Partner to Launch Revolutionary Player Protection

Published

on

mindway-ai-and-crown-resorts-partner-to-launch-revolutionary-player-protection
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Mindway AI, a leader in player protection solutions for the gaming industry, is pleased to announce a partnership with Crown Resorts to introduce GameScanner to their Australian operations. This partnership marks the largest global implementation of Mindway’s technology in a physical setting and is the first land-based application in Australia, setting a new industry standard and aligning with Crown’s commitment to safe and sustainable gaming.

GameScanner is an award-winning AI solution, trained by gambling harm experts, researchers, and psychologists, to better enable effective checks, with a focus on player well-being and preventative measures. GameScanner’s highly advanced technology enables operators to understand the risk distribution among their guests, allowing these risks to be identified and addressed to enhance player protection.

“The introduction of this technology at Crown is yet another example of our commitment to continuous safety improvements and harm minimisation,” said Dr Jamie Wiebe, Group EGM of Crown PlaySafe. “This will greatly assist in identifying risks and preventing harms from occurring in the first place, which is a major focus for us at Crown. In collaboration with our Crown PlaySafe initiatives, technology plays a critical role in helping us provide a safe environment and uphold our industry-leading standards for our guests.”

This partnership marks a new era for the growing Mindway AI, as the company expands its application of AI solutions into land-based settings. GameScanner currently engages with just over 12.8 million active players in 64 global jurisdictions each month.

“We are thrilled to partner with Crown Resorts in this significant initiative,” said Rasmus Kjaergaard CEO at Mindway AI. “Our shared vision for player welfare is the foundation of this collaboration. Our move into land-based applications signifies a significant milestone for Mindway AI. With GameScanner, we are reinforcing our commitment to player welfare across all gaming platforms, creating an environment where care and safety are paramount.”

The implementation of GameScanner marks a pivotal enhancement to Crown Resorts’ harm minimisation framework and reiterates the company’s dedication to industry-leading standards.

The post Mindway AI and Crown Resorts Partner to Launch Revolutionary Player Protection appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending