Victorians will be able to help shape a fairer, more modern bingo-playing landscape as part of a wide-ranging inquiry into regulation of the gambling activity, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) announced.

By collaborating with industry stakeholders and the community, the Commission aims to deepen understanding of sector challenges and explore ways to enhance regulatory and industry practices, keeping the game social, safe and fair.

Commercially run bingo generates significant revenue. In FY23, reported bingo revenue was $107 million. This significantly exceeds Keno revenue in the same year of $61 million.

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It is a game played by many communities and offers social interaction and the potential for prizes, with a proportion of proceeds designated to fund charities.

“In recent years, the commercial bingo landscape has modernised, transitioning from traditional paper-based gameplay to electronic enhancements with substantial jackpots”, said Commission Chair, Fran Thorn.

“Given this evolution, it is crucial for us to assess and address issues of fairness, integrity, and the potential for gambling harm, particularly among at risk groups such as seniors, First Nations communities, women, and lower income individuals.”

“Despite regulatory oversight, we continue to receive reports and allegations of unlicensed operators and potentially fraudulent activities,” Thorn added.

“This is an opportunity to really understand how bingo works and how it is evolving with technology. We understand the social outlet that bingo provides for many community members. We want to understand the risks, reduce the potential for harm, and put a stop to any behaviours threatening the integrity and fairness of the game.”

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The VGCCC has invited all interested parties, including customers, industry participants, community organisations, and concerned citizens, to participate in the inquiry and contribute to shaping the future of Victoria’s gambling landscape.

The Board of Crown Resorts Limited (Crown) has announced that Mr John Borghetti AO will become Chair of the integrated resort and entertainment group, effective 1 July 2024. Mr Borghetti’s appointment follows Mr William McBeath’s decision to step back as Chair, however Mr McBeath will continue as an independent non-executive director of Crown Resorts Limited.

Mr McBeath was appointed Chair in July 2022 following the acquisition of the business by Blackstone, bringing his extensive global gaming, tourism, and hospitality experience to Crown Resorts as it commenced one of the most significant transformations in Australian corporate history.

Mr McBeath said: “As Chair, my priority was to lead the Board and support the executive leadership team to successfully deliver the extensive regulatory and cultural reform and remediation program for Crown Resorts and to achieve suitability. I am proud that both Crown Melbourne and Crown Sydney have retained their licences to operate during this time, and that the remediation work in Crown Perth is well progressed.

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“Now is the appropriate time to appoint an Australian-based Chair who will continue Crown’s focus on transformation, regulatory compliance, and safe and sustainable future growth. I am delighted that John Borghetti will continue this critical work as Chair and lead the Crown Resorts Board in its strategic development of Crown’s businesses in Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia, working constructively with Government and regulators.

“Mr Borghetti is a very highly regarded director and executive whose extensive operational, leadership and governance experience will ensure Crown continues to focus on safe and responsible operations whilst growing and enhancing its entertainment experiences for guests of Crown.”

Mr John Borghetti AO said: “I’d like to thank William for his stewardship of the Crown Resorts Board over the past two years during a period of unprecedented transformation and change.

“I look forward to continuing the transformation of Crown Resorts, ensuring the company exceeds the expectations of all its stakeholders, including Government, regulators, guests and team members. The Board’s priority remains on compliant, safe, and profitable operations while ensuring we position the business for future growth.”

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal gambling websites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites blocked include Jogi Casino, Dundee Slots, Lucky Hunter, Lucky Wins, Lukki Casino, Spin Fever, Clubhouse Casino and Winport Casino.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal gambling services. This action can be taken if a service is:

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• providing prohibited interactive gambling services to customers in Australia (such as online casinos, online slot machines and services that allow in-play online sports betting)
• providing an unlicensed regulated interactive gambling service to customers in Australia (such as online betting services that don’t have a valid Australian licence)
• publishing ads for prohibited interactive gambling services or unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services in Australia.

Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 975 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Over 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules.