Section
ACMA blocks, the Interactive Gambling Act, BetStop and enforcement.
The New South Wales government has announced its NSW Gaming Reform package, which combines a statewide exclusion register, mandatory facial recognition at gaming room entrances, a reduction in poker machine numbers and tighter advertising rules. The government has committed AU$95.2 million over four years. The timeline for the supporting legislation has not been made clear.
3d ago
The Australian government is under pressure to advance gambling reform after a report from the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) reported high participation and harm rates. According to the report, 2.6% of Australians are at high risk of gambling harm and about AU$32 billion is lost each year through regulated operators. The calls follow the 2022 parliamentary inquiry and recent advertising and compliance controversies.
3d ago
The federal government introduced last-minute amendments to its gambling reform legislation on Monday, including a national register to opt out of gambling promotions. A Senate inquiry report tabled the same night warned that opt-out systems are generally ineffective and that the measures stop short of a full advertising ban. The reforms are expected to take effect on 1 January 2027.
3d ago
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has published initial guidance on the ban on notable people in gambling advertising, which starts on 1 January 2027. The regulator has not narrowed the broad definition, which covers current and former athletes, celebrities, influencers and prominent individuals. Responsibility for compliance rests with licensed operators.
3d ago
The Federal Court has ordered Star Entertainment Group to pay AU$260 million in penalties for breaching anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. Justice Cameron Moore said Star put profit over compliance on a large scale. The company's shares were in a trading halt ahead of the judgment.
3d ago
As the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers prepare to play the first regular-season NFL game in Australia at the MCG, US prediction market Kalshi is off-limits to people in Australia. According to the report, ASIC has reiterated that prediction markets are not licensed as financial markets here, and Kalshi lists Australia among the countries where its users are prohibited from trading.
3d ago
