Leading gambling law and regulation conference Regulating the Game has announced Dr Bo Bernhard, Vice President of Economic Development at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, as a headline speaker at its 2025 edition, to be held in Sydney from 10 to 13 March.

A well-known industry figure, Bernhard is also a fifth-generation Nevadan whose global work has taken him from the glitz of Las Vegas to South Africa, Europe, Japan, Singapore and beyond. A Harvard graduate with a double major in sociology and psychology, his groundbreaking research on the socio-economic impacts of the Las Vegas Strip set the stage for a distinguished international career.

Paul Newson, Principal at event organizer Vanguard Overwatch, said: “Having Dr Bo Bernhard share his insights at Regulating the Game 2025 will be electrifying. His unique global perspective is sure to enlighten, provoke thinking and inspire. This conference continues to set the bar high with unmatched speaker line-ups and content that tackles the sector’s most pressing issues.”

By 30, Dr Bernhard had delivered key research addresses on six continents. He later took on the role of Executive Director at the UNLV International Gaming Institute, where he expanded the organization to include four centers of excellence. In 2021, he became UNLV’s Vice President of Economic Development, spearheading projects at the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, Black Fire Innovation hub and UNLV Incubator.

“We find ourselves at a fascinating moment in the global economy, as industries like gaming, tourism, sports, and entertainment are blending, growing, and converging like never before,” said Dr Bernhard.

“This conference convenes the leading thinkers in gaming and adjacent sectors, and never has it been more timely or more important to gather leading experts in an effort to tackle some of the most challenging issues in our fast-developing world.”

The Regulating the Game conference is a flagship event that bridges the gap between regulators, industry professionals and stakeholders. The conference is dedicated to introducing expert content, inspiring discussion and debate about policy and sector issues, and driving innovation to support efficient and effective gambling regulation.

Now in its fifth year, Regulating the Game continues to attract speakers and attendees from around the world, solidifying its status as a pivotal event for those shaping the future of the industry.

More than 28,000 Australians have made the decision to self-exclude from all licensed online and phone wagering services since BetStop – The National Self-Exclusion Register was launched by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in August 2023.

The register allows people to self-exclude for a minimum of three months up to a lifetime and of the 28,000 registrants who to date have chosen to self-exclude:

• Almost half were aged 30 and under, and around 80% were aged 40 and under.
• Around 40% have decided to self-exclude for life.
• Fewer than 20% of registrants chose the minimum period of three months.
• More than 14% have already extended or reactivated their self-exclusion period.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said that the register’s first year of operation has shown that Australians want help in managing their gambling behaviour.

“Online gambling can cause a great deal of harm to individuals, their families and friends, so it’s encouraging that so many people have decided to take the step and register to self-exclude.

‘Younger Australians in particular are making early decisions about the role that online gambling will play in their lives.

“Many people are also choosing to nominate someone to support them. Stopping online gambling can be a difficult decision to make – having someone to support you can make the decision much easier.

“And many people are committing to long-term change, with a high percentage of people choosing to exclude for life,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

Australians can register to self-exclude from online and phone wagering at www.betstop.gov.au. All you need is access to your phone, your email address and an identity document such as a driver’s licence, Medicare card or passport. Registering is quick and easy – with most people able to register in less than 5 minutes.

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ThePokies Casino is a newer platform that launched in 2021, focusing heavily on online pokies. It offers players a modern interface, a large variety of games, and several bonus opportunities.

Online Casino Games and Interface

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You can expect attractive welcome bonuses at ThePokies, such as a $10 no deposit bonus for new members. Existing players can also benefit from various bonus codes. Despite these features, the casino’s broader game selection and navigational design might not be as engaging as those at Uptown Pokies Casino. Additionally, while the daily rewards are appealing, the lack of unique themed games can be a drawback for some users.

User Experience

Uptown Pokies Casino garners positive feedback with its responsive customer support and wide array of game options, while players often voice concerns over thepokies casino’s registration process and game accessibility.

Positive Feedback on Uptown Pokies

Uptown Pokies Casino impresses users with its 24/7 customer support. Players appreciate the quick response times, often getting answers within minutes through the live chat feature.

The game variety is another highlight. With over 130 pokies, you can explore themes ranging from pirates to Greek mythology. The search option makes finding specific titles easy, ensuring you spend more time playing and less time searching.

The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly. Navigation between different sections like New Games, Table Games, and Video Poker is smooth.

Players’ Complaints on thePokies Casino

At thepokies casino, users frequently express frustrations during the registration process. Newcomers find it less straightforward, often facing difficulties before they can even begin playing.

Many players also comment on game accessibility. Games sometimes take longer to load, impacting the playing experience. Unlike Uptown Pokies, there have been reports of less responsive customer support, with users struggling to get timely help for their issues.

Furthermore, the site’s layout and navigation aren’t as intuitive. It sometimes feels cluttered, making it harder to find specific games quickly.

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When it comes to security and fairness, Uptown Pokies Casino stands out. The platform uses Real Time Gaming (RTG) software, known for solid security measures and fair play. Games are regularly audited to ensure fairness. This means you can trust the results are truly random and unbiased.

Uptown Pokies also employs SSL encryption to protect your personal data and financial transactions. This helps keep your information safe from potential cyber threats.

On the other hand, The Pokies Casino has a Low Safety Index of 4.9, which raises concerns about its fairness and overall reputation. A lower safety score indicates possible issues with security protocols and game reliability.

Key Points for Uptown Pokies Casino:

• Uses RTG software
• Regular audits for fairness
• SSL encryption for data protection

Key Points for The Pokies Casino:

• Low Safety Index of 4.9
• Potential issues with security and fairness

By choosing a casino with a higher safety index and robust security measures like Uptown Pokies, your experience will be more secure and trustworthy.

Customer Support and Service

Uptown Pokies Casino offers exceptional customer support, while ThePokies Casino falls short in several areas. Let’s explore the key aspects of their customer service.

Responsiveness and Availability

Uptown Pokies Casino provides customer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can reach them through live chat right from the lobby, email, or phone. Responses are quick, often within minutes, and the support staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

ThePokies Casino, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired. Customer support is not as reliable or prompt. Users often report long wait times and unhelpful responses, making the experience frustrating.

Here are some key points in a comparative table:

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will explore various aspects to help you understand the differences and similarities between Uptown Pokies Casino and ThePokies Casino. We will cover game selection, bonuses, customer service, payment methods, user experience, and safety protocols.

What are the similarities and differences in game selection between Uptown Pokies Casino and ThePokies Casino?

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ThePokies Casino also has a large selection, but it is primarily focused on pokies. While both sites offer a variety of games, Uptown Pokies has a more diverse collection across different categories.

How do the bonuses and promotions at Uptown Pokies Casino compare with those offered by ThePokies Casino?

Uptown Pokies Casino provides a generous welcome bonus of AU$8,888 plus 350 free spins. This bonus is distributed over multiple deposits, giving you substantial value.

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Can players expect the same level of customer service quality at Uptown Pokies Casino and ThePokies Casino?

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How do the user interface and experience at Uptown Pokies Casino compare to those of ThePokies Casino?

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Are there any distinct advantages of choosing Uptown Pokies Casino over ThePokies Casino regarding safety and security protocols?

Uptown Pokies Casino takes player safety very seriously, employing advanced encryption technologies and strict security measures to protect your information and transactions.

ThePokies Casino also has security measures in place, but Uptown Pokies’ dedicated focus on high safety standards sets it apart, offering you greater peace of mind when playing online.