Australia
IAGR releases conference program for IAGR2022
The International Association of Gaming Regulators has released the program for its
annual conference, taking place in Melbourne, Australia from 17 to 20 October.
The program is available on IAGR’s website, with early–bird ticket prices on offer until 15
August.
IAGR Vice President and UK Gambling Commission Director, Ben Haden, believes the
line–up is one of the strongest yet, reflecting a time of disruption through a lens of
innovation.
“Over four days, our speakers and attendees will delve into global regulatory challenges,
safer gambling initiatives, security updates and technology advances impacting the
industry,” explains Ben.
“With sessions including ‘Why the Women’s World Cup 2023 will be the biggest betting
event ever’, ‘An introduction to gambling in the Metaverse’, ‘Regulating emerging
technology’, ‘Gambling–like reward mechanisms in video games’ and ‘How regulators can
use lived experience to prevent gambling harm’, it’s clear we have a richly diverse,
fascinating and relevant line–up.”
This year’s speakers include:
• Michael Morton, Senior Policy Counsel, Nevada Gaming Control Board
• Fran Thorn, Chair, Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission
• Earle Hall, VC, International Gaming Standards Association & CEO @ AXES.ai
• Andrew Rhodes, CEO, Gambling Commission United Kingdom
• Professor Sally Gainsbury, Director, Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic,
Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney
• Stephen Bryan, QC, Special Manager for the Melbourne Casino Operator
• Paul Buck, CEO, Epic Risk Management
More sessions and panellists are expected to be confirmed over the coming weeks.
Dr Jason Lane, IAGR President and Chief Executive of the Jersey Gambling
Commission, says he’s particularly looking forward to being able to greet regulators from
across the globe in person.
“Many gambling regulators, including me, couldn’t travel to last year’s conference in
Boston,” says Jason. “IAGR2022 will be an amazing opportunity to reunite, connect and
build relationships with regulators, industry stakeholders and thought leaders in person
in beautiful Melbourne.”
IAGR2022 is hosted by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
Australia
Newcastle Hotel Fined for Gaming Machine Offences
Newcastle hotel out of pocket $7,540 for gaming machine offences
A Newcastle hotel has been fined $7,540 after being convicted of operating gaming machines outside authorised hours.
The licensee of the Royal Inn Hotel at Waratah pleaded guilty to 13 offences under the Gaming Machines Act 2001 in Downing Centre Local Court on March 11 following an investigation by Liquor & Gaming NSW.
Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Jane Lin, said these were serious breaches of the state’s gaming laws.
“These restrictions are in place to reduce the risks of gambling harm by limiting the time patrons can spend playing gaming machines,” Lin said. “Apart from breaking the law, the Royal Inn Hotel placed its patrons at greater risk of gambling harm. As this case shows, venues that fail to abide by gaming machine trading hours can expect to be caught and face significant penalties.”
Liquor & Gaming NSW reviewed the hotel’s gaming activity and found that on Saturday, April 15, 22 and 29, 2023, gaming machines were operated during the shutdown period from 1am to 7am. The hotel submitted to the court that the breaches were a genuine misunderstanding of the licence conditions by the approved manager.
In sentencing, the magistrate noted the onus was on the licensee to ensure staff were appropriately trained and that a message had to be sent to those venues, which had the highly profitable right of operating gaming machines in New South Wales.
For free, confidential advice and support, call GambleAware on 1800 858 858 24/7 or visit www. GambleAware.nsw. gov. au.
Australia
AUSTRAC Commences Investigation into Online Betting Company Bet365
AUSTRAC has commenced an enforcement investigation into Hillside (Australia New Media) Pty Limited (bet365).
The investigation will focus on whether bet365 has complied with its obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) and follows a supervisory campaign of entities within the corporate bookmaker sector and AUSTRAC’s consideration of the external audit report received following AUSTRAC’s order to bet365 to appoint an external auditor.
AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas, said betting agencies, like all regulated entities, have a significant role to play in combating financial crime.
“Corporate bookmakers must have robust systems in place to ensure they can manage and mitigate risks associated with money laundering and terrorism financing,” Mr Thomas said.
“Businesses without adequate processes in place to manage those risks leave themselves vulnerable to exploitation by criminals.”
Australia
Aristocrat Appoints Matthew Primmer as Chief Product Officer
Aristocrat Leisure Ltd announced the appointment of Mr Matthew (Matt) Primmer to the position of Chief Product Officer, reporting directly to Aristocrat CEO & Managing Director Trevor Croker. Mr Primmer’s appointment is effective immediately. He will join Aristocrat’s Executive Steering Committee, and remain based at the company’s offices in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mr Primmer comes to the role with over 20 years’ experience in the global gaming industry, including ten years at Aristocrat in a range of senior product strategy, insights and leadership roles in Australia and the US. Mr Primmer has been Chief Product Officer at Aristocrat Gaming for four years, leading Design & Development (D&D) in Aristocrat’s largest operating business, with casino game content and hardware comprising its most strategically important portfolios. Mr Primmer previously held marketing and sales roles at Ainsworth Game Technology and Shuffle Master. Mr Primmer holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Wollongong.
“I am delighted to elevate a global gaming executive of Matt’s calibre to our leadership team. Over the past decade, Matt has made a strong contribution to building and extending Aristocrat Gaming’s global product leadership, fostering our outstanding creative and technical talent, championing D&D and placing customer needs at the centre of our product strategy,” Mr Croker said.
“Matt’s appointment brings additional, proven gaming experience to the executive team. In his new role, Matt will help us maintain an enterprise view of product strategy as our business grows to encompass a broader range of product verticals, while also ensuring the most effective allocation of D&D investment” Croker added.
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