Australia
Australasian Gaming Expo 2018 announces new and improved program
For the 29th year running, industry leaders will flock from all corners of the globe in search of innovation, growth and development at Asia Pacific’s largest and longest-running gaming and hospitality expo, Australasian Gaming Expo.
To be held at International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, 14-16 August 2018, it is the ‘must attend’ event for and buyers working within hotels, clubs and casinos.
Australasian Gaming Expo is the launchpad for future technological innovation, international networking opportunities and educational seminars. It’s where the community gathers to hear the latest thinking, developments and learn new ways to advance the industry.
Over three days, the world’s best gaming and hospitality equipment and services are on show, with 2018 set to be its biggest and best year yet – including some exciting new additions to this year’s program.
The Networking Zone will be the heartbeat for the event where business networking and meetings take place, with suites also available for private bookings.
Ross Ferrar, CEO, Gaming Technologies Association shares,
“We’re making it easier than ever to make valuable business connections, with a range of networking opportunities and a dedicated Networking Lounge to bring together the whole gaming and hospitality community,”
A First Timers Program will welcome newcomers to this event, with easily identifiable lanyards, a guided show floor highlights tour and an exclusive networking event to help guests visiting for the first time get the most out of the show.
“It’s valuable opportunities like these that help our attendees do a lot of their business for the year at the Expo,”
On the back of strong registrations for last year’s seminar program, this year will also see an expanded emphasis on education and professional development.
“We’ll be introducing new educational sessions to the event, with almost 3 full days of seminars on offer. That’s a whole extra day more than last year, with almost double the content,” Ferrar adds.
This year’s program takes a look at the future of the gaming industry in Australasia, covering topics related to new technology, gaming, hospitality, service, and the customer.
Last year, exhibitors welcomed over 6,000 attendees across the 19,000 m2 of exhibition space at the Expo’s new home at ICC Sydney.
Australasian Gaming Expo is the world’s third largest hospitality and gaming tradeshow and the biggest event of its type in Australia. To register, visit austgamingexpo.com
About Australasian Gaming Expo:
Established in 1990, Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) is the world’s third largest hospitality and gaming tradeshow. Featuring well over 200 exhibitors, welcoming more than 6,000 attendees across 19,000 m2 of exhibition space, AGE is the biggest event of its type in Australia.
AGE is the place to see new international products and services, network, attend thought-provoking seminars, seek business partners and generate sales.
Source: Australasian Gaming Expo
Australia
ACMA Reveals Illegal Gambling Crackdown Results
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) revealed the outcome of a crackdown on illegal online gambling services operating around the time of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The report published shows that 200 offshore services were reviewed in the lead-up to and during the event. Of those services, 21 were investigated as they appeared to be directly targeting Australians. As a result, 18 services were found to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Following notification of the ACMA’s findings, three of those services withdrew from the Australian market, while the remaining 15 services had their websites blocked by internet service providers at the request of the ACMA.
ACMA authority member and online gambling lead Carolyn Lidgerwood said the sites were unlicensed to provide wagering services in Australia and in some cases also offered interactive gambling services such as online casinos and slots or online in-play betting, which are all banned in Australia.
“Illegal gambling operations often take advantage of high-profile sporting events to push their services onto fans. These sites also offer none of the consumer protections that apply to licensed wagering services in Australia. Using these sites is more than a gamble as you have no rights and even if you win, you may never see the money,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
Since 2019, the ACMA has been asking internet service providers to block gambling websites found to be operating in breach of Australian interactive gambling laws. Over that time, more than 900 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked.
More than 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing illegal offshore gambling rules.
Minimising gambling harm is a current ACMA compliance priority and Australians can check on the ACMA’s online register to see if a wagering service is licensed to operate in Australia.
More information about online gambling is available on the ACMA’s website, including information on how to protect yourself from illegal gambling operators and instructions on how to make a complaint about an illegal site.
Australia
SkyCity Appoints Jason Walbridge as Chief Executive Officer
SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited has appointed Jason Walbridge as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Jason has more than two decades of senior executive public company experience in the global land-based and online gaming industries. He is currently a Strategic Advisor to global gaming and technology company Aristocrat Leisure Limited on its proposed acquisition of NeoGames S.A, and Executive Chairman of National Entertainment Network LLC, the largest amusement route operator in the US. He has been appointed to the role after an extensive international search.
SkyCity Board Chair Julian Cook said: “The Board is delighted to announce Jason’s appointment as CEO of SkyCity, and we are looking forward to the valuable contribution Jason will make to the business. Jason has extensive global experience in the land-based and online gaming industries, which will position him well to lead SkyCity through its next phases.”
Mr Walbridge said: “It will be a privilege to lead SkyCity, and I am excited to be joining the business at this time as SkyCity looks to pursue the many opportunities ahead of it.”
Mr Walbridge is expected to start in early July 2024, following his move back to New Zealand.
Prior to his current roles, Mr Walbridge held roles with the online gaming supplier NYX Gaming Group Limited and its acquirer Light & Wonder Inc, and before that he spent 18 years with Aristocrat Leisure Limited where he held executive leadership roles in New Zealand and the US. Previously, he held senior roles within consulting, including with Ernst & Young, and was an Officer in the New Zealand Defence Force. Mr Walbridge holds an MBA in International Management from the Auckland Institute of Studies.
Mr Cook confirmed that Callum Mallett will continue as Interim Chief Executive Officer until Mr Walbridge’s commencement date.
“I’d like to thank Callum for his continued leadership and his support during this period,” Mr Cook said.
Australia
VGCCC Fines BlueBet AU$50,000 for Gambling Advertising Breaches
BlueBet has been fined AU$50,000 by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for breaching gambling advertising regulations.
The company was found guilty of 43 charges related to displaying gambling advertisements on or above public roads, contravening the Gambling Regulation Act 2003.
The charges stemmed from an investigation initiated by VGCCC, following a complaint from a member of the public. The breaches occurred over a two-week period in August and September 2022, with BlueBet’s gambling advertisements appearing on digital billboards at various locations, including Point Cook, Laverton, Rockbank and Ravenhall.
Magistrate Greg Thomas, overseeing the case, expressed scepticism about BlueBet’s defence that it was unaware of the breaches, given the strategic placement of the billboards to target males aged 15-54 years old. While no conviction was recorded, Magistrate Thomas noted the high degree of negligence exhibited by BlueBet.
VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM said: “Gambling advertising has no place on public roads where it is readily visible to children and other vulnerable groups. These places are especially difficult to avoid as part of day-to-day activities. This decision sends a clear message to wagering providers that flout these protections for our community.”
Although Magistrate Thomas considered imposing a higher fine and recording a conviction, he took into account BlueBet’s guilty plea, cooperation with VGCCC and measures taken to prevent future breaches. BlueBet has implemented changes to prevent similar incidents and has cooperated with VGCCC throughout the process.
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