Category: Gambling

In short: Foxtel displayed virtual and electronic ads for illegal gambling companies, including an offshore bookmaker identified in a Four Corners investigation last year. The ads appeared throughout Fox Sports and Kayo’s broadcast of a match in Wellington last week. What’s next? The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) says it is examining the matter after ABC Investigations alerted it...

In short: NRL players and fans have descended on Las Vegas for two opening-round games. The league is hoping to pick up new followers, viewers and bettors in America. What’s next? Another eight games will be played in Vegas over the next five years. Amid the flashing lights and blaring signs of downtown Las Vegas, throngs of tourists are...

“The government has been working hard on a comprehensive approach to tackling gambling harm.” Loading Costello, who lives in the south-eastern Melbourne seat of Dunkley, said the government should have announced new laws to enact Murphy’s recommendations, which he suggested branding “Murphy’s law”, ahead of the byelection. “It’s one of the most socially significant and...

“The fact that it has taken longer, I think, demonstrates it’s not a simple issue. It’s a combination of a social issue on the side of problem gambling, but it’s also a social issue on the side of the interests of sport and the importance of having strong and commercially viable sporting codes.” The federal...

BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register™ covers all Australian licensed interactive wagering service providers – both online and telephone-based – and prohibits these providers from opening an account or accepting a bet from self-excluded individuals, or sending them marketing material. Australians are able to self-exclude for a minimum of 3 months to a lifetime, by...

In short: The federal government’s ‘BetStop’ register has received more than 18,000 applications from gamblers wanting to be blocked from online services. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth says the strong take-up by younger Australians reflects the demographics likely to use online gambling services. What’s next? Ms Rishworth says the government is still considering its response...

Thousands of Australians have banned themselves from betting for life within the first six months of a landmark self-exclusion register. More than 18,000 Australians have signed up to BetStop since August, with over-40s making up the vast majority of registrants. About 16,000 of the sign-ups remain active, while more than a third have opted to...

In short: Star Casino Sydney will be the subject of a second inquiry following an initial report in 2022. The NSW Independent Casino Commission will examine whether the Star has made enough structural changes in the last 18 months. What’s next? The second inquiry will run for about 15 weeks and hand down a report at the end...

Luke Mead was in year 11 when he was exposed to gambling, watching friends place horse racing and football bets on their phones during class. “We’re supposed to be learning about mathematics, and your mates are gambling because that’s what they’re being conditioned to do,” he said.  Some were 18, but many logged in under siblings’...

Australians are spending more on lotto tickets and scratchies than ever before, despite cost of living pressures biting into household budgets. According to the most recently available data from Queensland’s Statistician’s Office, published in late 2023, Australians wagered or spent more than $7 billion on lotteries in the 2020-21 financial year. That was up from...

Gambling advertising has long been a contentious issue in Australia, with critics and regulators regularly raising concerns about the intensity and placement of ads in the media. Online gambling is rife among Australian adults, with an estimated 44 per cent gambling on sports and racing using a smartphone or computer. And studies have associated online...

NSW pubs and clubs are set for a massive overhaul — as venues with more than 20 gaming machines will be required to have a responsible gambling officer on duty while poker machines are in operation. The officers will identify patrons at risk of harm or displaying concerning gambling behaviour, refer them to gambling services...