The Gambling Impact Society (GIS) has launched its Lived Experience Project to help the community better understand harms linked to online gambling by hearing from people with first-hand experience.

The project, funded by the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, is seeking people from across NSW who have personal experience of online gambling harm to share their story.

Peer educators are supported to deliver one-hour community education sessions across NSW regional centres. Audiences will include community members, welfare services, community groups, health services and corporate organisations.

The Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling, Natalie Wright, said: “We hope to build community awareness of the harm that can be experienced by some people from online gambling through this project, and encourage those struggling to seek help.”

The program harnesses the power of real-life experiences as a powerful tool in helping people understand the impacts problem gambling can have.

“It’s common for people at risk of gambling harm to relate easily to others who have experienced what they are going through and overcome their problem,” Kate Roberts, Executive Officer of GIS, said.

“Starting a conversation can help de-stigmatise the subject of problem gambling and encourage people who are suffering in silence to reach out for help.”

The project is working towards spreading awareness about problem gambling and promoting self-help and professional support to those affected. While helping individuals who may be affected by gambling harm, community and welfare services can also benefit from increased understanding of problem gambling.

This support is part of the NSW Government’s record $25 million funding commitment in 2018/19 to help tackle gambling harm in communities across NSW.

If you are interested in becoming a part of this project, or if you would like more information on the project, please contact Kate Roberts 0401 370 042 or email info@ginsw.org.au.

For more information on the Gambling Impact Society visit www.ginsw.org.au.

Lottoland, the Gibraltar based online gambling company, has launched legal action against the federal government for allegedly infringing the gambling laws.

This all begins when the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) made investigation on Lottoland’s jackpot betting and revealed “Several Lottoland online jackpot betting services were games of chance which are prohibited. These included the Mon and Wed Jackpot, Tue Jackpot, Thu Jackpot, US Millions, and US Power jackpot betting services.”

Lottoland’s Australian business has filed legal action in the New South Wales Supreme Court against ACMA and says “we believe their view on jackpot betting is wrong.” The company said it believed its jackpot betting products, which had been approved by Australian licensing authorities, were compliant with Australian law.

“We have worked hard to adapt to recent changes to the law, and we are committed to providing exciting new products that our customers love. By taking this stand against ACMA, we are fighting for the rights of hundreds of thousands of Australians who enjoy the occasional flutter. We are fighting for freedom of choice,” Lottoland Australia chief executive Luke Brill said.

ACMA said that Lottoland disputed its findings on jackpot betting and had launched legal action. “ACMA will not be making further comment while legal proceedings are on foot,” it said.

Melco Resorts and Entertainment is going to buy 20% stake of Crown Resorts from casino magnate James Packer for $1.22 billion. Packer’s investment company, CPH Crown Holdings, owns 47% of Crown Resorts.

“It is certainly our intention to continue, if the opportunity arises, to increase our stake in Crown,” Chief Executive of Melco, Lawrence Ho said.

Melco and Crown have worked together previously. In 2006 they gained a subconcession from the Macau government to operate casinos and remained in partnership until 2017. Ho said his relationship with Packer remains very strong and he is excited to be working with executives at Crown that he already knows well.

Packer said his remaining Crown shareholding represents his single largest investment and that the sale allows him to diversify his investment portfolio.

Melco will buy 135.35 million Crown Resorts shares at A$13 per share, with the transaction closing in two equal tranches on June 6 and on or before September 30.