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Westpac NZ Introduces Gambling Account Block to Support Customers
Westpac NZ has introduced an account block to support customers struggling with online gambling.
Louisa Brock, Westpac NZ Manager Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability, leads the bank’s Extra Care team and says the optional block is something customers have been asking for.
“We know gambling can become an addiction for some people, at which point it can cause significant harm. By introducing the gambling block, we’re empowering our customers to stay in control of their finances,” Ms Brock says.
From 26 June to 25 September 2023, Westpac customers spent $136.8 million with online gambling merchants (compared with $3.2m spent at physical gambling locations in that period). Nearly half of that online spend was with TAB and Lotto, with the remainder distributed among various online gambling businesses.
“While the block only applies to online transactions, our data shows that the majority of gambling spending does take place online. We’ve updated our website to let customers know that the block’s available if they’re looking for support with a gambling problem,” Ms Brock says.
Westpac customers can call the bank or visit a branch to request a gambling block – the block will then be applied to all their credit/debit cards.
When the block is in place, it means a customer can’t use their card for online transactions with gambling businesses (the transaction will be declined). The block doesn’t stop transactions at physical gambling locations, such as casinos or buying a lottery ticket at a retail outfit. Once the block has been set up, it will stay in place for a minimum of three months before a customer can request to remove it.
Ms Brock says Westpac has already had feedback from customers that the block can make a difference.
“In one example, a customer received an inheritance payment of more than $100,000, then over the next 12 days spent more than $15,000 gambling online,” Ms Brock says.
“When the customer was told that we could put a block on their account to help them manage their spending, they jumped at the opportunity. The customer told our team that they were desperate to quit gambling, but found it difficult to control on their own.
“Admitting you have a problem is a really brave thing to do. Letting customers know that the gambling block is available hopefully makes it easier for them to have those conversations with our teams, as well as empowering our people to best support our customers.
“As well as introducing the gambling block, we’ve trained our customer-facing teams to have constructive conversations with customers who may be struggling with gambling. Our people can also work with these customers to structure their accounts to limit gambling spend.”
The introduction of the gambling block is the latest initiative in Westpac’s Extra Care programme of work. Earlier this year, Westpac NZ launched the use of an interpreting service to support customers who don’t speak English, and updated its bankruptcy policy to improve access to basic banking services for Kiwis going through tough times.
The bank has also worked with the Department of Corrections to make it possible for prisoners nearing their release date to open bank accounts, as well as partnered with Oranga Tamariki and advocacy organisation VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai to help young people in state care to get a bank account and access financial education.
“We’re working hard to help improve outcomes for our customers and communities,” Ms Brock says.
The post Westpac NZ Introduces Gambling Account Block to Support Customers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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ICE Barcelona 2025: Alona Shevtsova on Sends’ Vision for the Future of Gaming
The Sends team attended the biggest and most famous gaming conference, ICE, now held in Barcelona, Spain. From the 20th to the 23rd of January, the leading gaming companies and solution providers gather for business meetings, experience sharing and networking. More than 170 countries visited, achieving the number of 55,000 visitors.
“Our team attends the ICE conference annually. Previously held in London, the financial capital and home to our head office, 2025 is the first time it’s hosted in Barcelona—and it remains as expansive and resourceful as ever. We’re thrilled to participate, connect with our partners, explore innovative solutions, and engage with market leaders. At Sends, we are committed to staying ahead in this dynamic industry, never missing an opportunity to gain fresh insights and experiences,” commented Alona Shevtsova, Director at Sends.
As the organisers of ICE 2025 said, after a rigorous, independent selection process, ICE and iGB Affiliate moved to Fira Barcelona Gran Via because Barcelona presents a compelling list of benefits, including improved logistics and operational efficiency. The location is close to Barcelona airport and is well connected to the public transport network, offering a world-class in-show and around-show experience.
It is worth mentioning that this February, Send will co-host its event in London for fintech companies. This is the third gathering in London to network and connect industry professionals. To get more information about the London Fintech Meetup, follow the link.
To get more details, keep in touch with Sends on social media: LinkedIn and Instagram.
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NOVOMATIC sets milestone for international growth with planned acquisition of French Vikings Casinos Group
NOVOMATIC AG signed an agreement to acquire the French casino group Vikings Casinos SAS, subject to certain conditions such as regulatory approvals.
With this strategic move, NOVOMATIC continues its international growth strategy in the French market and significantly expands its portfolio in one of the largest gaming regions in Europe. The Vikings Casinos Group, based in Falaise, is one of the leading French casino chains, operating more than 10 live gaming casinos throughout France, including on the Côte d’Azur.
“With the acquisition of Vikings Casinos, we are consistently pursuing our international growth strategy and strengthening our position as a leading provider in the European gaming market. With this step, we have successfully laid the foundation for further sustainable growth in France” explains Stefan Krenn, Executive Board Member of NOVOMATIC AG.
“The acquisition by NOVOMATIC opens up new opportunities for growth and further development. We are confident that the integration into such an experienced and successful company as NOVOMATIC will help us to further strengthen our position on the French market. This change will enable us to work even more efficiently and benefit from the resources and expertise of the new owner” emphasizes Luc Le Borgne, CEO of Vikings Casinos SAS.
The post NOVOMATIC sets milestone for international growth with planned acquisition of French Vikings Casinos Group appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Three Big Game Parties – One Location! Tickets to viewing parties at the Plaza Hotel & Casino to watch Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 on sale now
Hotel room package offers discounted rates and $50 food & beverage credit
Tickets are now on sale to attend one of three Big Game viewing parties at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas on Sunday, Feb. 9 to watch Super Bowl LIX. With three party options to choose from, there is an event for everyone to enjoy.
Held annually inside the Sierra Ballroom within the expansive convention space on the third floor, the Plaza’s Big Game viewing party includes a complimentary stadium food buffet and free buckets of beer. There will be a cash bar for all other cocktails. The game will be broadcast on giant high-definition (HD) screens located at every angle in the room. Football fans will also have convenient access to make and cash out sports bets with William Hill’s satellite betting stations. Doors open at 2 p.m. Tickets for the Big Game Viewing Party in the Sierra Ballroom are now on sale for $150 (plus taxes and fees) per person.
Guests can elevate their Big Game experience by attending the Plaza’s VIP Viewing Party held inside its intimate showroom on the casino floor. Guests enjoy an open bar through the end of the game and an upscale food buffet that rotates options every 45 minutes. Tickets for the VIP Showroom Party are $275 per person (plus taxes and fees).
The Sand Dollar Downtown will again hold its own Big Game Viewing Party for $35 per person (plus taxes and fees). Attendees will witness every thrilling moment of the game on the venue’s state-of-the-art HD screens. The Sand Dollar Downtown’s full cocktail, wine and beer menu will be available for purchase along with pizza from Pop Up Pizza.
All parties are open to guests 21 years or older. Tickets and more information about all of the viewing parties for the Big Game at the Plaza Hotel & Casino can be found at plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/the-big-game-viewing-party/.
Guests who book a hotel room at the Plaza by Feb. 2 can save up to 20% on room rates for a two-night minimum stay anytime Feb. 3-12. The Plaza’s Big Game 2025 Room Package also includes a $50 food & beverage credit. Rooms can be booked online.
Fans also can watch the game at the William Hill Sportsbook on the Plaza’s casino floor. With 20 TV screens and a giant seamless HD video wall encompassing more than 80 sq. ft., football fans won’t miss a moment of action as they relax in the sports book’s inviting lounge-like atmosphere steps away from an adjacent bar. William Hill will have more than 1,000 ways to bet on the Big Game via various prop bets. Complete details are available in the William Hill Sportsbook at the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
The post Three Big Game Parties – One Location! Tickets to viewing parties at the Plaza Hotel & Casino to watch Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 on sale now appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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