Author: Daniel Williams

On June 29th, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) issued a legal update on the competition for the fourth operating licence of the National Lottery. The country’s gambling regulatory body revealed that it will now be able to continue with the National Lottery’s licensing procedure by implementing its decision and ensuring a timely and smooth transition to the new licence holder, for the benefit of good causes and customers. As the UKGC shared, on Wednesday, the UK High Court agreed to lift a suspension looming on the watchdog’s ability to formally…

The trading body that represents the licensed gambling companies in the UK has warned that the implementation of a ban on various promotions, such as free bet offers, would have a negative effect on punters who bet safely. The body also noted that such a measure would seriously hurt the multi-million-pound funding that is received by British racing every year. As Casino Guardian previously reported, anti-gambling campaigners have urged the UK Government to suspend special promotions, such as free bet offers, used by gambling companies to attract more customers and…

The major gambling regulatory body in the UK has officially announced that it is making changes to the way it operates as part of its efforts to make the best use of resources and in order to keep up with the constantly increasing demand in the sector. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has shared that its licensing processes are set to be overhauled because the current dedicated account manager model turned out to be somehow inefficient. Under the existing system, each gambling operator is given a dedicated accounts manager. However,…

New Zealand’s Labour Government has announced its decision to make a significant investment in the prevention and minimisation of gambling-related harm. The country’s Government confirmed that gambling-related harm is considered a serious public health risk and could have an extremely negative impact on the well-being of local people, Whānau, and communities. According to estimates, 1 in 5 residents of New Zealand is set to experience gambling-related harm or know a relative or a close friend or colleague who does. Local authorities unveiled that they had invested NZ$76 million into a…

Earlier this week, the Government of Western Australia introduced a new piece of legislation to Parliament. Under the proposed bill, casino operators in the state will face penalties of up to AU$100 million for potential failures to comply with the regulation. Apart from adopting higher monetary penalties for gambling companies, the new legislation tabled by the Western Australian Government seeks to create a new gambling regulator. The move came at the same time when Kevin Anderson, the Hospitality and Racing Minister of New South Wales (NSW), announced a suite of…

The Government of the largest Australian state has officially announced a 5% increase to the point-of-consumption tax (POCT) on corporate sports betting operators. As a result of the development, the tax is set to increase from 10% to 15%, with the new rules on the point-of-consumption tax in New South Wales (NSW) set to be effective on July 1st, 2022. The cited tax increase in the state has come as part of the NSW Government’s new budget. According to reports, the change is set to mostly affect foreign online sportsbooks…

Crown Resorts has finally received conditional approval to open its Barangaroo waterfront casino in Sydney, 16 months after the gambling operator has been found unsuitable to hold an operating permit for the venue. Earlier today, the New South Wales’ (NSW) Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) officially allowed to company to open its Barangaroo casino but noted that it will continue to closely monitor the venue’s operations. As Casino Guardian previously reported, in 2021, the ILGA found Crown Resorts unsuitable to hold a gaming licence for its Barangaroo casino following…

Some of the largest charity organisations in the UK have received massive donations after local bookmakers handed over their profits from the 2022 Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot. According to reports, five charities – The Ivors Academy Trust, The Soldiers’ Charity, Cotswold Riding for the Disabled, Sue Ryder and Ascot Racecourse Supports Community Fund – are set to receive a part of the overall sportsbooks’ donation worth £1.2 million. As revealed by the trade body of the local gambling sector, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the funds were raised…

The chief executive officer of the UK gambling regulatory body has faced some criticism for not visiting any high-street betting shops to personally check on the industry since taking up his current role at the watchdog a year ago. According to anti-gambling campaigners, Andrew Rhodes has also not visited any online gambling websites since June 2021 when he took over the position of UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) boss. Will Prochaska, one of the members of a local charity organisation that supports families of players who have taken their own lives…

Netball Australia denied rumours that it is endangered by financial collapse amid a cash crisis overshadowing the beginning of the Super Netball final series that is scheduled to start on June 18th. However, it became clear that the organisation could accept some money for advertising gambling services as part of an effort to generate more revenue. Reportedly, Netball Australia lost AU$7.2 million over the past two years, with its losses over the 2021 season amounting to about AU$4.4 million. The bank loans of the netball sports governing body in Australia…