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Australia: NATIONAL RESEARCH REVEALS ONLINE HABITS DOUBLE IN A DECADE

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A two-year gambling study has revealed more Australians than ever are reaching for their phone to have a punt, with the number of online gamblers doubling in the past decade.

The Second National Study of Interactive Gambling in Australia surveyed more than 15,000 Australians and found 17.5 per cent of adults had gambled online in 2019, up from 8.1 per cent in 2010.

The study, funded by Gambling Research Australia, found that overall gambling participation decreased from 64.3 per cent in 2010, to 56.9 per cent in 2019.

Professor Nerilee Hing, from CQUniversity’s Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory said Australia’s most popular forms of online gambling were lotteries (10.1 per cent of adults), race betting (5.9 per cent) and sports betting (5.8 per cent).

“This growth in online gambling has been driven by faster internet speeds, the convenience of betting on smartphone apps, extensive advertising and inducements, and new betting options like multi-bets,” Professor Hing said.

“New online activities have also been introduced, including e-sports, fantasy sports, skin gambling, and loot boxes.”

The study found the average online gambler was likely to be a young male, better educated than the average Australian, in a de facto relationship, and to gamble across multiple activities.

The Commonwealth and State/Territory Governments are currently implementing the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering (the National Framework).

The intent of the National Framework is to bring Australian consumer protection measures up to date, to ensure they reflect best practice nationally, and are consistent across jurisdictions. The National Framework consists of 10 consumer protection measures that aim to reduce gambling harm.

This was also the first national study to examine the negative consequences of gambling for gamblers, their family and friends.

Overall, 9.1 per cent of Australian adults experienced some level of harm from their own gambling and 6.0 per cent from another person’s gambling. Online gamblers were twice as likely as land-based only gamblers to experience harm.

The findings from this study will further inform online gambling policy and consumer protection measures across Australia.

Gambling Research Australia is a national gambling research partnership between Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, and chaired by the NSW Government. GRA funds projects of national significance and contributed more than $1 million towards the Second National Study of Interactive Gambling in Australia.

CQUniversity’s Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory is a research initiative to support understanding of games of chance, through experiment, simulation, and observation.

Second National Study of Interactive Gambling in Australia researchers included CQUniversity team members Dr Alex Russell, Professor Matthew Rockloff, Professor Matthew Browne, Nancy Greer and Vijay Rawat, International researcher Dr Anne Salonen (National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland), Associate Professor Nicki Dowling and Dr Stephanie Merkouris (Deakin University), Dr Matthew Stevens (Charles Darwin University), Associate Professor Daniel King (Flinders University), and Linda Woo (former Executive Director of Policy and Projects, Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General).

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IGT to Showcase Localised Linked Games and Gaming Systems Advancements at 2025 Australasian Gaming Expo

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IGT is going to present an exciting, performance-focused showcase of games, cabinets, systems and FinTech solutions at the 2025 Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE 2025) which will take place at ICC Sydney from Aug. 12-14. With a market-attuned portfolio of more than 50 unique link and standalone game titles, IGT will reflect the Company’s focus on delivering innovative player experiences and creating value-add opportunities to gaming floors across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).

“As IGT enters a new era of growth and transformation, AGE 2025 is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate our laser-focus on delivering an unrivaled solutions portfolio, and our unique position to serve as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for our customers across Australia and New Zealand. At AGE 2025, IGT will present a diverse range of standalone and linked progressive games with exciting new titles such as Hot Stuff Link and Bandit Link & Loot, as well as our IGT ADVANTAGE CLUB system with advancements to Service Window and other convenience-enhancing modules,” said Dallas Orchard, IGT SVP and COO, APAC.

“IGT’s line-up for AGE 2025 is the most exciting portfolio that we’ve presented in recent years. In addition to showcasing ten new game families, we will reveal our revamped jackpot strategy for the ANZ market, as well as IGT’s rejuvenated on-screen look and feel. Our development focus has been on delivering an elevated player experience through trending mechanics and enhanced art packages. For example, our Firework Link provides players with a Hold and Spin inside Hold and Spin experience, coupled with new innovative free-game mechanics; and MegaVault Link morphs the two most popular mechanics that the ANZ market has seen over the last 20 years – Chose Your Volatility and Hold and Spin,” said Matt Wright, IGT Product Director APAC.

Everi, an IGT brand, will highlight its portfolio of integrated FinTech solutions at AGE 2025 in a dedicated space alongside IGT’s exhibit. Everi’s trusted suite includes cash access, player wallets, AML compliance, loyalty and payments — each built to work together and designed to meet the demands of modern casino and venue operations.

These offerings integrate directly with IGT’s powerful systems, creating a unified financial and engagement platform. From cage to cabinet and kiosk to mobile, operators gain a consistent and configurable experience that reduces friction, enhances visibility and streamlines operations across land-based and digital environments.

Everi’s solutions also support responsible gaming by incorporating tools like spending limits, discreet messaging and data-informed alerts — helping operators promote sustainable play without disrupting the entertainment experience. By combining Everi’s FinTech innovation with IGT’s global infrastructure, operators can benefit from a flexible, modular foundation that delivers smarter data, stronger compliance and personalised engagement at every touchpoint.

Together, IGT and Everi are reimagining how payments, loyalty and compliance come together — helping operators move faster, serve smarter and lead the next era of connected gaming.

The post IGT to Showcase Localised Linked Games and Gaming Systems Advancements at 2025 Australasian Gaming Expo appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Light & Wonder to Participate in the 2025 Australasian Gaming Expo

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Light & Wonder Inc. announced its participation in the 2025 Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE), taking place August 12-14 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, Australia. At booth #190, the Company will showcase a mix of fan-favourite franchises and proven game mechanics, all stemming from L&W’s global in-house studios.

Over the past three years, L&W has expanded from 12 to 16 land-based studios worldwide, with six studios now dedicated to building content specifically for the Australian market.

“Australia and New Zealand continue to be a vital market for Light & Wonder, fueled by strong operator collaborations and players who consistently engage with high-performing titles like HUFF N’ PUFF. Our momentum in the region is the result of sustained investment in R&D and an intense focus on delivering the best games that drive real results on the floor,” said Matt Wilson, President and CEO of Light & Wonder.

Gaming Innovations on Display: L&W will showcase a comprehensive lineup of new content including 14 unique themes across five game families; each built around a mix of proven and innovative mechanics.

FORTUNE DOORS leads the lineup, marking its global debut in Australia and New Zealand. Available in both Link and SAP formats, this bold new game family features a unique secondary Hold & Spin mechanic designed to drive player engagement and deliver thrilling win potential.

The iconic LOCKED AND LOADED game family returns with a fresh twist in the new LOCK N’ MORE LINK series, introducing four original titles: PIGGY N’ MORE BANKIN’, EUREKA N’ MORE BLASTIN’, HUFF N’ MORE PUFF and a new iteration of CATS, HATS N’ MORE BATS.

HUFF N’ EVEN MORE PUFF continues the global success of the HUFF N’ PUFF franchise, offering an action-packed experience with upgraded classic features designed for more wins. Inspired by the classic fable, this game challenges players to build houses strong enough to withstand the Big Bad Wolf, while unlocking exciting features like Free Games, a Buzz Saw, the Mega Hat and Mansions.

Light & Wonder is also introducing LEGENDS OF THE DEEP, a deep-sea adventure series featuring two new games: OCEAN NYMPH and NEPTUNE’S FURY. These games bring fresh content variety through an oceanic lens and feature a core “frame upgrade” Free Games mechanic for added thrill and reward.

Table Games for Modern Casinos: L&W will showcase the QUARTZ HYBRID NOVA table, featuring a suite of player-favorite games including Roulette, ROULETTEX, Baccarat, Dragon Tiger Baccarat and STADIUM BLACKJACK.

Also on display will be the QUARTZ VEGAS STAR platform, which offers immersive gameplay through titles like Roulette, ROULETTEX and Tiger Baccarat. This platform is designed to elevate the electronic table games experience. The GM ATLAS Progressive Table system will feature games ULTIMATE TEXAS HOLD ‘EM, Free Bet Blackjack, DOUBLE HOOK POKER and DOUBLE DOWN MADNESS, offering operators fresh ways to engage players at tables.

Systems Solutions: L&W will highlight its new innovations in casino systems management solutions. Offerings include LNW Engage AI, CANVAS, in-game hardware, responsible gaming measures and cardless capabilities. Attendees can also see new advancements like RAPIDPLAY cashless solution, NFC and the Patron Mobile App with UNIFIED WALLET, alongside PATRON KIOSK. These solutions are designed to deliver a modern, frictionless experience that empowers both operators and players.

SciPlay’s First AGE: Making its debut at AGE, Light & Wonder’s social games division, SciPlay, brings the Company’s most popular gaming content, such as DANCING DRUMS, ULTIMATE FIRE LINK and the successful HUFF N’ PUFF franchises to millions of mobile game players around the world. SciPlay’s portfolio, including QUICK HIT Slots, 88 FORTUNES casino, JACKPOT PARTY Casino Slots, GOLD FISH Casino, and MONOPOLY Slots Casino, deliver captivating experiences that players love. SciPlay’s games are available on all leading mobile and digital platforms including APPLE, GOOGLE, FACEBOOK and AMAZON.

The post Light & Wonder to Participate in the 2025 Australasian Gaming Expo appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Star Entertainment’s Brisbane Casino Deal Collapses

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The Star Entertainment Group (SEG) has announced that its proposed deal to offload its stake in the Brisbane Queen’s Wharf hotel and casino complex has collapsed, leaving the casino operator facing around $41 million in payments to investors.

In a statement to the ASX last week, SEG said its Heads of Agreement (HoA) deal with its joint venture partners – Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited and Far East Consortium International Limited – had been terminated.

The statement said: “As of this morning, the parties have been unable to reach agreement on a number of outstanding commercial issues which in turn prevent the finalisation of long form documents.

“The Star proposed to the Joint Venture Partners an extension of the HoA termination date to 6 August 2025 to allow further time to conclude negotiations. However, the proposed extension by The Star was not accepted by the Joint Venture Partners.

“Accordingly, the HoA Termination Notice (which was extended to 31 July 2025) has taken effect and as a result, the HoA has been terminated with effect from today’s date.”

The collapse of the deal exposes SEG to a number of repayments and equity responsibilities, which will add to the financial woes of the group. SEG must repay $10m of proceeds it received from the Joint Venture Partners by 6 August 2025.

In addition, SEG must reimburse the Joint Venture Partners for its share of equity contributions that have been made by the Joint Venture Partners to Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC) since 31 March 2025. This amount is currently anticipated to be approximately $31m (based on an estimate of amounts paid to date) and is payable by 5 September 2025.

SEG will also retain its 50% share of the DBC debt facility, which is currently around $1.4bn, and will continue to be responsible for its share of future equity contributions to DBC, estimated to be approximately $200m. Additional equity may also be required as part of the refinancing of the DBC debt facility, which is due to expire in December 2025.

The ASX statement did say that SEG “is continuing to engage with the Joint Venture Partners and will provide an update if there are any material developments regarding the parties’ respective interests in DBC and DGCC”.

The group added: “Given the termination of the HoA, The Star is considering what alternative options may be available to it in relation to its 50 per cent equity interest in DBC, along with the Treasury Brisbane hotel and car park and its 50 per cent equity interest in the Charlotte Street Car Park (Festival).”

The post Star Entertainment’s Brisbane Casino Deal Collapses appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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