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VCGLR recommends responsible gambling provisions for Crown Casino

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The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) has released its sixth review of Crown Casino’s operations, offering a slew of provisions for responsible gambling. Overall, the review provides 20 recommendations. Out of which 11 pertain to the provision of “responsible gambling.” The review indicates that Crown lagged behind in community expectations.

The review arrives at a bad time for Crown Casino. Earlier this year, a whistle-blower accused the casino of misconduct, including providing gamblers with a “pick” to jam poker machine buttons in place. And following another allegation of machine tampering, the VCGLR fined Crown AU$300,000. This was a historically high fine.

Another recent whistle-blower case concerned Woolworth’s subsidiary ALH, Australia’s largest gambling machine operator. Earlier this month, ALH admitted that patrons were “spied upon” and provided with inducements to continue gambling.

The idea of “responsible gambling” is at the core of both these cases.

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling has been a cornerstone of government gambling policy since at least the 1990s. The concept was a gambling industry invention, developed as gambling was legalised and expanded globally. It allowed the industry to circumvent stricter regulations in response to the harmful side effects associated with the spread of gambling. This has been a wildly effective strategy for the gambling industry, but largely ineffective in terms of minimising harm.

Responsible gambling is largely implemented via codes of practice, required in all Australian casinos, pubs and clubs and many other jurisdictions. These require gambling operators to provide warning signs and intervene when someone shows signs of harm, among other measures.

Other responsible gambling regulations impose limits on game offerings. This is especially so with electronic gambling machines (EGMs, or “pokies”). In most Australian states, the maximum bet in a pub or club pokie is A$5. There are other pokie restrictions, as well, such as the load-up (the amount of money that can be inserted at one time) and the speed at which individual bets can be placed (generally every two to three seconds).

But in research I’ve conducted with other academics, we’ve found little evidence that responsible gambling measures are effective.

This is partly because of recent public health research showing that, even with responsible gambling measures in place, gambling harm remains a serious problem. This is partly because gambling mechanisms are ubiquitous in Australia, and partly because responsible gambling measures are unconcerned with preventing harm. At best, these measures act as an ambulance at the bottom of a cliff – not the fence at the top.

As with alcohol, the “responsibility” for over-consumption is generally offloaded by the gambling industry onto consumers. The industry argues that problems affect only a tiny minority, and are a result of flawed individuals who cannot control themselves. Exposure to gambling itself is not considered a cause.

However, recent research in Victoria demonstrates that the harm associated with gambling is of a “similar order of magnitude” as major depressive disorders and alcohol misuse. The social costs of gambling, including family breakdown, relationship problems, domestic violence, and emotional and psychological distress, depression and suicide, are estimated at nearly A$7 billion per year in Victoria alone.

Another recent study found that on average, every “problem gambler” affects six other people in his or her life. Every “moderate-risk” gambler impacts three others. Even “low- risk” gamblers affect one other person.

Thus, the costs and effects of gambling harm are much more widespread than the gambling industry or government concedes. This has also been corroborated by recent research in the UK.

Contradictions between practice and law

Responsible gambling measures were intended to address these social costs, but research shows that some “codes of practice” are rarely enforced and often ignored. ALH has also admitted this is true.

Even more troubling is that Crown is permitted by Victorian law to allow patrons to play pokies in “unrestricted” mode at its casinos. This means gamblers can bet unlimited amounts, at unlimited speed, and on “autoplay.” (The “unrestricted” mode is banned outside casinos.)

Considering the law also requires Crown to pursue “responsible gambling” regulations, the contradiction is quite striking.

There are other contradictions. In its casino review, VCGLR recommended more staff, with time to actually intervene, when patrons display signs of harmful pokie use. However, using the “unrestricted” mode allowed only at Crown would be a clear sign of harmful gambling.

 

Source: theconversation.com


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George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Navigating New Frontiers: Relax Gaming’s Approach to Growth & Market Expansion

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HIPTHER, organiser of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, is proud to present Relax Gaming, the Summit’s Delegates Bag Sponsor and a key player in the iGaming industry. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Cliona Griffin, Business Development Manager, Casino at Relax Gaming, to explore their approach to market expansion, transparent competitive strategies, and what to expect from their presence at the Summit.


Relax Gaming has built a strong reputation as a premium aggregator and supplier in the iGaming space. How does your approach to business development ensure that Relax Gaming stays ahead in an increasingly competitive market?

We’re always focused on being one of the industry’s most innovative providers, both in terms of the content we produce and the platform we offer. By constantly evolving our products and maintaining a strong commercial framework, we ensure that Relax Gaming remains a key player in the market.

Our competitive and fair commercial approach has been instrumental in strengthening our presence in existing markets while also enabling smooth entry into new ones. It’s all about staying agile and forward-thinking to ensure our partners get the best possible experience when working with us.


A competitive yet transparent commercial structure is a core focus for Relax Gaming. How do you strike the right balance between offering competitive deals while maintaining transparency with partners and operators?

I think both fairness and transparency are key to building long-term relationships with our partners. That’s why we apply the same commercial structure across the board in each market, ensuring that every partner has a clear and equal opportunity to succeed.

This approach not only makes our offering competitive, but it also gives our partners confidence in knowing they’re working with a provider that values consistency and openness. By keeping things straightforward and fair, we create a commercial environment that benefits operators.


With new markets constantly evolving, what key factors influence Relax Gaming’s decision-making when entering and expanding into emerging markets? Are there any specific regions that are currently on your radar?

When looking at new markets, we take a strategic and measured approach to ensure that any expansion aligns with our business objectives asl well as the needs of our partners.

One of the biggest factors we consider is regulatory complexity. Each market comes with its own set of rules, and we need to ensure that we can operate efficiently while fully complying with local requirements. Beyond compliance, we assess the potential return on investment, evaluating market size, player demand, and long-term sustainability to determine whether it’s the right fit for Relax Gaming and our network of operators.

Right now, we’re actively monitoring several European markets that show strong growth potential. However, our primary focus for H1 this year is expanding our presence in the US. The region presents exciting opportunities, and we’re working to establish a solid foothold by leveraging our expertise and proven content portfolio to meet the needs of operators and players in this market.


Given the dynamic nature of the industry, how does Relax Gaming adapt its offerings to support both new and existing operators in maximising their revenues?

We take a very hands-on approach when it comes to supporting our partners. Our Account Management team works closely with operators to help them maximise revenue by tailoring strategies to suit their needs. Whether it’s optimising game performance or identifying new opportunities, we’re always looking for ways to add value.

On the content side, we’re also moving towards a more bespoke approach, adapting our offering to fit the demands of different markets and player preferences. This flexibility allows us to continue delivering high-quality, relevant content that keeps engagement levels high.


As a speaker at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, what key insights will you be sharing with the audience? And what makes this event an essential platform for discussing the future of iGaming?

I’m looking forward to sharing how Relax Gaming approaches market expansion, focusing on how we assess new opportunities, navigate regulatory challenges, and use our aggregation model to drive growth.

I’ll also highlight the importance of localisation and how we tailor our content to different markets while supporting operators with the tools they need to maximise engagement. With the industry evolving rapidly, staying ahead of trends is key, and I’ll touch on the innovations shaping the future of iGaming.

Events like this are a great chance to connect, exchange ideas, and gain insights into what’s next for the industry, making it an essential platform for discussion and collaboration.

With Relax Gaming bringing its expertise to the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, this year’s event promises invaluable insights into the future of iGaming and technology. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain exclusive market perspectives, and be part of the most dynamic gathering in the CEE region!

Join us on 25-26 March 2025 in Prague – Register now and explore the full agenda!

The post Navigating New Frontiers: Relax Gaming’s Approach to Growth & Market Expansion appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Champions League Drama & EPL Showdown — WinSpirit Launches Betting Series with 2,500 USD in Freebets

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March brings some of the most anticipated football clashes across Europe, including Champions League knockout battles, Premier League showdowns, and UEFA Nations League fixtures. To mark the occasion, WinSpirit has introduced a dedicated Weekly Tournament Series, giving bettors the opportunity to compete across four weeks and claim a share of the Freebet prize pool.
4 Weeks. 4 Tournaments. 2,500 USD in Freebets.
As the football calendar intensifies with Liverpool vs. PSG, Arsenal vs. Chelsea, and Germany vs. Italy, WinSpirit introduces a new Weekly Tournament Series designed to bring even more excitement to sports betting. Across four weeks, participants can compete in a points-based system, with the top 10 players in each tournament earning Freebets.
Tournament Schedule & Prize Pool
  • March 7–11 – 500 USD in Freebets
  • March 14–18 – 500 USD in Freebets
  • March 21–25 – 500 USD in Freebets
  • March 28–April 1 – Grand Finale: 1,000 USD in Freebets
How to Join the Action
  • Place bets with min odds of 1.50
  • Earn 1 point for every qualifying bet (1 EUR = 1 point)
  • Climb the leaderboard and finish in the top 10 to win
The Weekly Tournament Series will be available on the WinSpirit platform according to the schedule.

The post Champions League Drama & EPL Showdown — WinSpirit Launches Betting Series with 2,500 USD in Freebets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Stats Perform signs betting streaming and data rights for FIVB events in 10-year deal with Volleyball World

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Stats Perform have acquired the global betting streaming and data rights to premier FIVB Men’s and Women’s Volleyball competitions

Volleyball World have signed a landmark ten-year agreement with Stats Perform, a world leader in Sports AI. This partnership grants Stats Perform the exclusive global betting streaming and data rights to premier men’s and women’s volleyball competitions.

The decade-long deal covers a wide range of events, including the FIVB Men’s and Women’s Volleyball World Championships and Beach World Championships taking place every two years from 2025, alongside the annual Volleyball Nations League and the Beach Pro Tour. It also includes highly competitive and popular men’s and women’s competitions such as the Italian Superlega, Italian Lega Volley Femminile and several Asian Volleyball Confederation competitions.

Speaking about the landmark agreement, Felix von Knorring, Head of Media at Volleyball World commented: “We are thrilled to partner with Stats Perform and leverage their highly professional approach to content creation and distribution.”

“Together with their AI and technical capabilities, strong commitment to fan engagement and unrivalled network of licensed sportsbook partners, they provide the perfect platform for us to bring the top-class entertainment of premier men’s and women’s volleyball to the widest possible audience,” he added.

Alex Rice, Chief Commercial Officer at Stats Perform explained: “Volleyball is an increasingly important sport for our licensed sportsbook partners, because their users love to watch and engage with it.”

“It is consistently one of the most-viewed events at the Olympic Games and recent data shows it can attract as many bettors as the tennis Majors1. We are excited to help our clients deliver such captivating year-round content to their users,” he added.

Official data from these volleyball competitions are the latest addition to Stats Perform’s highly trusted Bet Trading Data offering, which was recently awarded its fifth consecutive independently-audited IBIA Data Standards Accreditation. Meanwhile, live coverage from the events is part of Stats Perform’s “Bet LiveStreams”, a 24/7 interactive video service for licensed sportsbooks. It currently features over 100 top men’s and women’s league competitions across 13 sports.

The post Stats Perform signs betting streaming and data rights for FIVB events in 10-year deal with Volleyball World appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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