Advocacy

RWA members are dedicated to delivering high standards of consumer protection, ensuring that all customers have access to the information, tools and support they need for a safe gambling experience. Committed to funding independent research to ensure accurate and representative information is made available to the community, policy makers and industry regarding the prevalence and impacts of online wagering in Australia. Since the inception of the Code of Conduct, a number of key industry proposals from previous versions have been given formal effect by state, territory and Commonwealth acts of parliament and regulation. Breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in the imposition of sanctions, including monetary penalty or termination of membership. The campaign featured across national press publications and key digital media channels. Information from NSW Fair Trading on how to conduct community gaming activities such as lotteries and games of chance. Understand how a GPOM helps staff, customers, and licensees manage gambling responsibly.

In practice, for online gambling, this might mean disabling automatic logins and deleting accounts. The public health campaign, “Love the Game, Not the Odds”, was released addressing the issue of reducing the exposure of young people to sport betting. While rates of online gambling for Australians are low compared to traditional forms of gambling, participation in online gambling appears to be increasing rapidly. Up to 160,000 Australians experience significant problems from gambling, and up to a further 350,000 experience moderate risks that make them vulnerable to developing a gambling problem. On top of this, regulators are accountable for establishing fair policies and regulations to minimize risk in a way which still allows the consumer free choice in an open market economy. Consumers betting via licensed providers have access to a range of tools and resources in order to make smart choices and reach out for help if needed. Timely analysis of major industry events impacting compliance, fraud, and verification The go-to space for coverage on all things verification, compliance, and fraud prevention

KYC helps gambling operators prevent fraud, comply with AML regulations, and avoid hefty fines. Learn how to create an AML compliance policy covering CDD, MLRO duties, SAR filing, and audits, and get a free FINRA template to help you get started. This resulted in the introduction of credit card betting ban legislation in Australia, which aims to prevent people in Australia from betting with money they don’t have. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, “gambling is a major public policy issue in Australia, affecting the health and wellbeing of individuals and families in a range of ways.” Online gambling service providers are mandated to complete Applicable Customer Identification Procedures (ACIP) before creating an online gambling account or providing any designated services. Licensed remote gaming operators will only be allowed to make payments to players through the payment processors approved by the regulator. Each of Australia's eight states and territories independently regulates gambling, gaming, and betting activities within their jurisdictions. Online gambling in Australia is regulated at the federal level by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) (IGA) which outlines the general regulation of online gambling in Australia.

How Australia’s Casino Players Are Being Protected In 2025 (and What You Should Know)

Young people, aged 18 to 24, were nearly twice as likely to be at high risk of harm, compared to other age groups. Gambling harm included stress, borrowing money, skipping meals or selling things to fund gambling. Ms Rishworth said the new taglines were one of "many steps" to address online gambling. It is accepting submissions of recommendations from people and organisations until November 11. There is currently a House of Representatives standing committee inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm. Mr Wilkie also wants to see online gambling companies linked in real time so when a gambler reaches their daily limit they can not swipe to another app and run up a hefty total. More than 800 people were consulted on the new taglines, which were evidence-based and "shown to work", Ms Rishworth said.

The firm’s team comprises senior professionals with experience in top-tier law firms, executive roles within major wagering and gaming operators, and senior positions at one of the Big Four advisory firms. Prior to joining Senet, Alexander was part of the Solicitors Assisting the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants (Lawyer X), where he worked under intense pressure on a range of intricate legal and procedural issues. He supports both domestic and international organisations in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and establishing compliance-driven cultures. At Tabcorp, she served as Deputy General Counsel – Wagering and Media, advising on major strategic initiatives including the integration of two ASX-listed entities, regulatory investigations and responsible gambling programs. Prior to that, he was a lawyer in the Corporate team at Herbert Smith Freehills, advising highly regulated clients across a range of corporate, regulatory and commercial matters. He is an experienced Australian lawyer and trusted adviser, specialising in gambling law and regulation. Prior to this, he worked in the M&A team at King & Wood Mallesons and held several senior positions at major law firms across Australia and Europe, predominantly advising highly regulated clients, including those in the gambling sector.

This includes tools like self-exclusion, deposit limits, and time tracking to ensure that players gamble responsibly. These include self-exclusion options, time limits, deposit caps, and loss limits, which allow players to take control of their gaming behavior. This includes offering tools that allow players to set time or financial limits, restricting access to gaming platforms for minors, and promoting educational resources about gambling addiction. Download the mandatory signage required for businesses licensed to manage gaming machines ensuring compliance with gaming regulations. The new rules focus on protecting players, improving transparency, and encouraging people to gamble smarter, especially on online casino sites. More online gambling operators like Gigabet and Titanbet are entering the market, and more people are participating in various forms of online betting, including sports betting, casino games, poker, and more. You should consider the number of RGOs that you are required to have on duty and ensure that you roster the appropriate number of staff with ARCG training.

The Betting Industry Runs Most Of Its Ads After 7pm — The Time When Most Children Are Tuning In

State and territory lotteries engage in pooling arrangements pursuant to what is known as ‘bloc agreements’, under which jackpots are pooled, making the customer offering more attractive. Retail operations are typically conducted using authorised agents and licensing distribution arrangements. Casino table gaming and gaming machines, Retail Wagering, lotteries and keno all require an operator licence, which is typically long-dated and is granted by the relevant Australian state or territory. 2.1 What regulatory thunder empire game licences, permits, authorisations or other official approvals (collectively, “Licences”) are required for the lawful offer of the Relevant Products to persons located in your jurisdiction? Set out below is a list of the primary legislation governing gaming, betting, lotteries and social/skill arrangements for each Australian state/territory, as well as at the federal level.

How will I meet the RGO rules and ensure my staff get to take rest and meal breaks? The firm ensures compliance with federal and state regulations by assisting clients in obtaining advertising approvals and reviewing content for compliance with advertising laws. State and territory licensees are expected to have appropriate controls in place to ensure that they comply with their licence obligations, including relevant laws and any conditions attaching to their licence. Retail Wagering Operators, Corporate Bookmakers and On-course Bookmakers are also required to pay race field fees/product fees to racing controlling bodies and sports controlling bodies, respectively, in relation to bets taken on their product. A state or territory licence is typically required to operate a bingo centre in the relevant jurisdiction. There are also various subordinate legislative instruments, including regulations, which have not been included. He said Australia needed to do more to regulate gambling, including limiting online gambling ads. "If we look at harm, 15 per cent of people experienced gambling harm in the past 12 months and that is up from 11 per cent in 2019."

Senet's specialisation spans various sectors within the gambling industry, including waging operators, principal racing authorities, casinos, lotteries, licensed gaming venues, social gaming providers and manufacturers. Senet is an Australian boutique law firm headquartered in Melbourne, specialising in gambling law and regulatory compliance in Australia and New Zealand and advising a diverse range of clients across the globe. The ACMA has a range of enforcement tools available to it which include directing internet service providers to block sites which are deemed to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act. This has included action taken by AUSTRAC in relation to casino licensees in Vic, NSW, Qld, WA and also SA examining money laundering issues (including those concerning ‘junket operators’). State and territory laws often also contain a range of offences in relation to unlawful gambling, which can include organising the unlawful event, as well as participating in it. Legislation prohibits bets being taken by a Corporate Bookmaker on the outcome of a lottery (that is, ‘synthetic lotteries’). The use of digital currencies (including cryptocurrency) for gambling purposes is not common in the jurisdiction and, in the case of online wagering and betting, was expressly prohibited following amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act in 2024. In addition, a number of Corporate Bookmakers have recently been required by AUSTRAC to appoint independent auditors to assess their AML/CTF compliance, with one subsequently entering into an enforceable undertaking with AUSTRAC.

The firm also assists in matters related to responsible gambling, social gaming products, virtual currencies and advertising compliance. This includes guidance on industry-specific regulatory regimes, licence applications, renewals, variations and interactions with regulatory authorities. In addition to licensing, Senet advises clients on company formation and incorporation, corporate structuring, and specialised due diligence, particularly for investors, banks and financial sponsors. Senet acts for some of the leading online gambling and gaming operators, regularly working with entrepreneurs, start-ups, investors, and international operators seeking to diversify and establish business operations in Australia. The firm’s reputation is built on deep sector expertise, sound judgement, and a thorough understanding of the complex legal and regulatory frameworks that govern gambling across both jurisdictions. The firm’s clients range from start-ups to publicly listed global operators, both nationally and internationally. This breadth of experience gives Senet a unique commercial and regulatory perspective, and a clear understanding of the pressures faced by its clients.

One of the most fundamental aspects of responsible gaming is verifying the identity of players. By offering easy access to support groups and resources, operators can ensure that help is always available to those who need it. Finally, cooperation with help organizations such as GamCare, BeGambleAware, and others can provide a safety net for players struggling with gambling-related issues. Operators must also ensure that their marketing and advertising strategies reflect their commitment to responsible gambling. These tools suggest that individuals manage their gaming experience proactively, preventing excessive gambling from becoming a problem. Furthermore, regulators and jurisdictions are increasingly enforcing stricter standards around responsible gambling.

Responsible gambling means staying in control of your gambling at all times. If you’re going to gamble, you might as well do it the right way. At Australian Gamblers, we believe that it matters how you gamble, how much control you have, and whether it still feels like entertainment or it’s getting out of hand. But somewhere along the way, for some players, it stops being fun and starts becoming something more sinister. A few bets here and there, a session on the pokies, maybe a sports bet on the weekend, it’s all about having fun, right? This framework includes provisions for addressing gambling-related harm, ensuring transparent and responsible advertising, and establishing avenues for dispute resolution.