In this digest, we have compiled news from the world of gambling and online gambling in Australia. Readers will learn about the latest decisions by regulators, changes in legislation and game catalogues https://online-pokies-au.com/, major investments in casinos and updates to player protection technologies. Among the topics covered are fines for operators for violating responsible gaming rules, the launch of new gastronomic projects on behalf of casinos, updates to the BetStop national self-exclusion register, and the move towards legalisation and regulation of the online casino market.
Bet Right Fined for Violating Responsible Gaming Principles: What’s Behind the Decision
Bet Right faced disciplinary action from the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC), which imposed a fine of 13,430 Australian dollars. The reason was a violation of responsible gaming rules and failure to fulfil obligations to interact with a customer whose behaviour was causing concern.
The proceedings were based on a complaint filed back in 2022. The customer claimed that he did not receive an email from Bet Right because it ended up in his spam folder. According to him, the company promised to call him back to discuss the situation related to his gambling activity, but this did not happen. In response to the complaint, the company acknowledged the missed contact but stated that it did not affect the legitimacy of the bets.
After reviewing the case, the Commission found Bet Right to be in breach of the Northern Territory’s Responsible Online Gambling Code. The decision notes that ignoring the customer’s request “raises concerns” and indicates insufficient control on the part of the operator. However, the regulator denied the applicant compensation, considering that the bets were made voluntarily and within the law.
The NTRWC’s decision, published on 9 September, coincided with increased scrutiny of the regulator’s activities. This came amid an investigation by ABC’s Four Corners programme, which touched on Australia’s multi-billion dollar online gambling sector. The programme’s journalists highlighted conflicts of interest in the NTRWC’s work, slow complaint handling processes and possible bias in favour of betting operators.
Interestingly, the Bet Right fine was one of the first cases considered under the new structure of the Commission, which was created in 2024 after the reform of the former regulator, the Northern Territory Racing Commission.
A spokesperson for the Northern Territory Department of Tourism and Hospitality said the department was “actively working to resolve potential conflicts of interest” in the Commission’s activities, including reviewing cases of gifts and other benefits received by its members.
Experts note that such cases increase transparency requirements and make operators more accountable for complying with responsible gaming principles.
Scientific Games Completes Upgrade of Lotto New Zealand System
Scientific Games has announced the completion of a major upgrade of Lotto New Zealand’s systems, which saw the operator switch to the full Momentum technology package.
Lotto NZ now uses the entire SG ecosystem of solutions, from the central gaming system and retail terminals to account and sales management. The upgrade covered approximately 1,100 retail outlets across the country and was complemented by the introduction of the SG Studios product portfolio.
The partnership between the companies has been ongoing since 1989, and the transition to the new platform was the result of a two-year project implemented in collaboration with IT consultant Datacom.
Lotto NZ CEO Jason Delamare noted that the upgrade “lays the foundation for further transformation and an exceptional gaming experience,” emphasising its importance for players, retailers and lottery beneficiaries.
Scientific Games CEO Patrick McHugh added that the New Zealand project has become a “global example of successful technological transformation” and has inspired other lottery initiatives by the company.
The modernisation coincided with New Zealand’s preparations to regulate the online casino market, expected in 2026. The issue is controversial: the country’s sports organisations fear a reduction in funding due to the redistribution of gambling revenues.
Former Tabcorp Chief Calls for Immediate Restrictions on Gambling Advertising in Australia
Former Tabcorp CEO Elmer Fanke Cooper has called on the Australian government to urgently introduce strict restrictions on gambling advertising, warning of its negative impact on young people.
According to Cooper, regulation of the industry itself has become strict, but advertising remains “virtually unregulated.” He proposed an immediate ban on advertising campaigns in stadiums, on sports uniforms and in the hour preceding broadcasts of matches.
According to The Australian Financial Review, the country has recorded annual gambling losses of 25 billion Australian dollars, the highest figure in the world. Research also shows that around 600,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 are already involved in gambling, with participation rates reaching 46% among 18- to 19-year-olds.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government is continuing consultations on the issue, but critics warn that delay could exacerbate the impact on young people. According to hotlines, the number of calls from gamblers under the age of 24 has increased by 16% over the past year.
Public health experts and a number of politicians, including Senator David Pocock and Green Party representative Sarah Hanson-Young, are pushing for a total ban on advertising, calling it a necessary step to protect young Australians.
NextBet Enters the Australian Market with the Acquisition of CrossBet
New betting and online pokies operator NextBet has announced its entry into the Australian market through the purchase of Brisbane-based betting company CrossBet. The amount of the deal has not been disclosed.
The deal is the first step in an “ambitious M&A strategy” that should strengthen NextBet’s position in the second-tier operator segment. The company has stated its intention to dominate this niche by positioning itself as a challenger brand.
CrossBet founder Scott Cross, who established the company in 2020, will lead the combined business as chief executive officer. He emphasised that the merger with NextBet creates a foundation for rapid scaling and investment in proprietary technology solutions.
Although financial details have not been disclosed, NextBet’s statement cites Mixi’s $419 million acquisition of PointsBet as an example of growing interest in technologically advanced operators.
Legal Dispute Between Stake and Stake.com Intensifies in Australia
Since 2023, a legal battle has been ongoing in Australia between Stake, a brokerage platform for stock trading, and Stake.com, an international online casino operator.
Stake claims that Stake.com’s presence in the Australian market could mislead customers due to its similar name, visual style and partial overlap in areas of activity. In addition, the broker accuses Stake.com of attempting to buy out the Stake domain and register a number of trademarks, including “Stake Australia”.
Although Stake.com does not officially conduct business in Australia, the case has progressed: on 9 September, Stake filed new court requests and affidavits. The main hearing is scheduled for 30 November 2026, with partial hearings to be held from 1 to 8 December.
If the court grants the claim, Stake.com will likely have to rebrand for pokies AUS. A similar situation occurred when Burger King entered the local market under the name Hungry Jack’s.
Crown Sydney to Host First Responder Stair Climb Charity Marathon
Crown Sydney has announced its first First Responder Charity Stair Climb, which will take place on 28 March 2026.
The event will be attended by police, fire and rescue services, State Emergency Service and Crown Sydney employees. Participants will climb 29 floors of the Crown Tower, the city’s tallest building.
The initiative aims to raise funds for mental health organisations, including the Black Dog Institute and Fortem Australia, in partnership with the 000 Foundation.
According to the foundation’s director, Trent Egan, the project will be an important event for the entire emergency services community and will help raise awareness of mental health issues. Firefighters will be able to participate in the race in full gear.
Crown Sydney CEO Stanford Lee noted that the company is proud to honour the work of frontline heroes and support charitable initiatives.
The event will continue the tradition of the Firefighter Stair Climb in Melbourne, which has raised more than A$6 million for charity over 12 years.
Crown Resorts to Implement Mindway AI’s GameScanner System to Improve Player Safety
Crown Resorts has announced a partnership with Mindway AI to implement GameScanner technology, an artificial intelligence-based tool designed to identify signs of problem gambling behaviour.
The system, developed by researchers and psychologists, analyses gaming patterns and helps operators take preventive measures. This will be the largest integration of GameScanner in a land-based casino environment to date. The technology is currently used in 64 jurisdictions, covering more than 12.8 million players monthly.
Dr Jamie Wibe, Head of Crown PlaySafe Group, noted that the implementation of GameScanner will strengthen the company’s efforts to prevent gambling harm and create a safe environment for guests.
Mindway AI CEO Rasmus Kjærgaard added that the collaboration with Crown marks an important step in the development of responsible gaming and the expansion of AI solutions to the offline segment.
The partnership is part of Crown’s strategy to strengthen its responsible gambling controls following a A$450 million fine imposed in 2023 for AML/CFT violations.
Australian Prime Minister Warns: Tough Regulatory Measures Could Push Players to Offshore Sites
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented on calls for a complete ban on gambling advertising, but refrained from directly supporting the initiative.
According to Albanese, the government is not making policy on the fly and is already implementing measures to reduce the harm caused by gambling. In particular, the Prime Minister noted the effectiveness of the national BetStop self-exclusion register and restrictions on the use of credit cards for online betting.
He stressed that the main focus should be on protecting people who are vulnerable to gambling addiction, rather than banning moderate forms of participation, such as amateur sports betting. At the same time, the prime minister called poker machines the biggest source of gambling harm in the country.
Albanese also warned that a total ban on advertising could trigger an influx of players to offshore platforms, where there is no tax or regulatory oversight. According to him, this would lead to a decline in budget revenues and would not solve the problem of addiction.
The premier added that the global and technologically complex nature of the modern gambling market requires a balanced and systematic approach to regulation.
His statement came amid ongoing work by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which is actively blocking unlicensed foreign websites. Hundreds of offshore domains related to gambling are currently blocked.
The authorities are also expressing concern about the growth of cryptocurrency fraud and money laundering through illegal platforms.
QuestBet Fined AUD 80,000 for Ignoring Signs of Gambling Addiction
Online company QuestBet was fined AUD 80,000 after the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) found that the company had failed to take measures to protect a customer showing signs of addiction.
The investigation revealed that between April and June 2023, the customer lost approximately AUD 15,000, repeatedly requesting credit and bonus bets. Despite complaints and references to large losses, QuestBet continued to provide bonuses, violating the Victorian Bookmakers Association’s Responsible Gaming Code.
VGCCC Chair Suzie Neilan called the situation an example of irresponsible treatment of players and emphasised that operators have a duty to actively prevent harm. She said the fine serves as a warning to other licensed companies that ignoring signs of addiction is unacceptable.
Crown Melbourne Officially Criticised for Poker Machine Violations
Crown Melbourne has been criticised by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) for failing to comply with its obligations to minimise harm on poker machines.
From December 2023 to July 2024, players were able to continue playing even after exceeding the set time and spending limits, and some used cards that were not linked to their name. These breaches contravene the requirements of the YourPlay program and mandatory restrictions to protect customers.
VGCCC Chair Chris O’Neill emphasised that poker machines are a high-risk product and that compliance with limits is critical to preventing harm. He also noted Crown’s cooperation in the investigation but warned of the possibility of severe disciplinary action if the violations were repeated.
BlueBet Fined AUD 53,380 for Encouraging Dangerous Gambling
The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRW) fined BlueBet AUD 53,380 following a complaint from a player who lost nearly AUD 570,000 after depositing AUD 700,000 over four months.
The regulator found that the operator not only failed to restrict risky behaviour, but also encouraged it by providing bonus bets and even depositing funds into the player’s account after he reported a shortage of money. The company’s VIP manager played a key role in these violations.
This is not the first fine for BlueBet: it was previously fined AUD 50,000 for violating gambling advertising rules. The regulator emphasised that the operator’s response to signs of problematic customer behaviour was inadequate and questionable in terms of ensuring safe gaming.
ACMA to Block Four New Illegal Gambling Sites
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ordered internet service providers to block four more illegal online gambling sites: Slot Mafia, Top Aussie Pokies, Polymarket and Spinanga.
Investigations showed that the platforms violated the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Since the introduction of new control rules in 2017, about 220 illegal services have voluntarily left the market, and since November 2019, more than 1,200 sites have been blocked.
The regulator warns that many unlicensed platforms appear legitimate but do not provide secure processing of customer funds and protection of rights. ACMA recommends that Australians check the official register of licensed operators before using betting services.
Blocking is part of a strategy to limit damage and counter offshore operators targeting Australian players.
Most Transactions at Crypto ATMs in Australia are Made by People Aged 60–70
AUSTRAC reported that the 60-70 age group accounts for 29% of all transactions at crypto ATMs, raising concerns about financial vulnerability and fraudulent activity. Many large transactions were linked to fraud victims, money mules or suspected criminals.
As part of a week-long initiative by the Fintel Alliance, experts from five major banks worked with law enforcement agencies to analyse transactions, identifying anomalous patterns and networks associated with money laundering.
AUSTRAC has also introduced new minimum compliance standards for crypto ATM operators, and newly established analytics centres in Sydney and Melbourne are helping to detect financial crimes more quickly and shape follow-up actions by law enforcement agencies.
AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas noted the agency’s connection to national security, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasised the importance of expanding the alliance’s capabilities for future strategies.
Major Crown Perth Redevelopment: Food, Beer Garden and Speakeasy Bar
Crown Perth has announced the start of construction on the Urban Food District, the company’s largest property renovation project in a decade.
The upgrade includes an urban food district with international cuisine, an outdoor beer garden and a hidden speakeasy-style wine bar. It is expected that 150 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with more hospitality staff to be added after the opening.
The Urban Food District will be open late into the evening on weekends, and local DJs will perform for guests, creating a lively urban atmosphere.
Green Party Supports Online Casino Bill
The Green Party voted in favour of a new bill that will allow 15 licensed operators to run online casinos in New Zealand from April 2026. The bill passed its first reading by 83 votes to 39, with Labour and Te Pāti Māori voting against it.
The bill provides for effective age verification and harm reduction procedures, and the Green Party has also called for a ban on online casino advertising and full transparency in the distribution of funds to combat gambling addiction.
Green Party Home Affairs Minister Benjamin Doyle noted that this is a small step in the right direction and stressed the importance of further hearings and amendments to effectively reduce the harm caused by online gambling.
BetStop: Number of Self-Exclusions in Australia Continues to Decline
The BetStop national registry has published statistics for the 2024/25 financial year, showing a decrease in the number of player registrations compared to last year. In the second year of the service’s operation, 18,869 people applied to the registry, which is 31.7% less than a year earlier.
The highest number of self-exclusions was recorded in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. The majority of registered players are under 30 years of age (47%), with another 31% aged 31-40.
In terms of the duration of exclusion, lifetime bans and periods ranging from 3 months to 2 years were equally popular, with each category accounting for 39% of participants’ choices.