Australia
Queensland Parliament Passes New Laws Restricting Cash Gambling at Casinos
The Queensland Parliament has passed new laws restricting cash gambling at casinos. New laws will increase regulatory scrutiny and enhance the integrity of Queensland casinos, with a focus on reducing gambling harm.
The reforms enable the government to implement the remaining recommendations of the Review of the Queensland operations of The Star Entertainment Group by the Honourable Robert Gotterson AO KC.
It marks the second raft of substantial legislative changes to the Casino Control Act 1982 in the past two years.
Under the legislation, casinos will be required to:
- implement mandatory carded play for certain games and activities, with restrictions on the use of cash, as well as mandatory pre-commitment, with time limits and enforced player breaks
- issue player cards and collect information relating to play and provide certain de-identified data to the regulator
- comply with an enforceable code of conduct to be defined in a regulation
- pay a supervision levy to the government to cover the costs of casino regulation and to fund harm minimisation programs
- take steps to exclude people who are banned from interstate casinos by an interstate police commissioner.
The legislation increases regulatory scrutiny, requiring Queensland casinos to undergo a periodic review of their operations and suitability at least every five years. Certain outdated and potentially stigmatising language was also removed from the legislation.
The reforms also enhance and modernise casino inspectorate powers, by updating the way inspectors may request information and allowing them to interview minors and excluded persons on casino premises (if the minor or excluded person is found on the premises).
The new laws represent the second set of substantial reforms to the Casino Control Act in the past two years.
Previous reforms implemented by the government in 2022 removed barriers to disciplinary action and ensure that meaningful penalties could be levelled against casinos where warranted.
The earlier reforms, which allowed government to fine casino entities up to $100 million and appoint a special manager to oversee their operations, were key in disciplinary action taken against The Star Entertainment Group in December 2022.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:
“Queenslanders have the right to expect casinos are being operated lawfully and in a way that minimises harm.
“The new laws will help ensure Queensland casinos operate with integrity and that they have measures in place to prevent gambling harm and combat money laundering.
“Importantly, these reforms pave the way to implementing the remaining recommendations of the Gotterson Review, with the government now focused on developing the regulations required to enforce these reforms.”
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Australia
SCCG Management Announces Strategic Partnership with PlaySpark to Enhance Audience Retention and Acquisition through Gamified White-Labeled Arcade Games
SCCG Management is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with PlaySpark, a pioneering company specializing in gamified audience engagement solutions. This collaboration aims to leverage SCCG Management’s extensive global distribution network and business development expertise to introduce PlaySpark’s innovative white-labeled arcade games to new markets and verticals.
PlaySpark, renowned for amplifying acquisition and retention of audiences using white-labeled arcade games, offers a no-code game creator tool that enables brands to build their own games or playable ads. This solution drives higher engagement rates and generates new revenue through in-game ads and rewards. PlaySpark’s plug-and-play games significantly enhance fan engagement and revenue for sports teams and brands, magnifying acquisition by up to 700% and retention by 4X.
“We are very excited to join forces with SCCG,” said Luke Santamar, CEO of PlaySpark. “At PlaySpark, we are trying to change the game of how brands engage their audiences through white-labeled arcade gaming. Partnering with SCCG allows us to expand our footprint into the USA and globally, whilst setting up strategic pathways to drive PlaySpark into other verticals. With the experience and networks of SCCG, we look forward to working together to scale PlaySpark into multiple industries.”
SCCG Management will utilize their vast ecosystem of over 100+ clients in the gaming space, as well as their sales and strategic distribution capabilities, which are globally placed in every major region of the world. This collaboration is poised to offer teams and brands the opportunity to amplify revenue by 300% through in-game advertising and the collection of 1st/zero party data.
Stephen Crystal, CEO of SCCG Management, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with PlaySpark, a company that shares our vision for innovation in audience engagement. By integrating PlaySpark’s unique white-labeled arcade games into our network, we are confident that we can deliver unparalleled value to our clients. This partnership not only broadens our service offerings but also opens new avenues for growth and revenue generation for both SCCG and PlaySpark.”
The partnership between SCCG Management and PlaySpark marks a significant milestone in the evolution of gamified audience engagement, providing brands with powerful tools to drive engagement and revenue in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The post SCCG Management Announces Strategic Partnership with PlaySpark to Enhance Audience Retention and Acquisition through Gamified White-Labeled Arcade Games appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Victoria Commission Launches Inquiry to Help Improve Bingo Regulations
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.
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.”
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 post Victoria Commission Launches Inquiry to Help Improve Bingo Regulations appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Crown Resorts Appoints John Borghetti as Chair
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.
“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 post Crown Resorts Appoints John Borghetti as Chair appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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