In Australia and the government for the state of New South Wales has reportedly announced that it will be amending its rules covering two key gambling areas later in the year so as to better protect players.

According to a report from Inside Asian Gaming, the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority regulator revealed that the revised regulations dealing with betting and racing as well as totalizator wagering are now out for public comment and could come into force by as soon as September. The source detailed that these new-look rules will alter the way the state approaches its gambling harm minimization efforts including counselling services, special exemptions, allowable shareholdings and penalty notice prescriptions.

Developed discipline:

New South Wales is home to almost 8.2 million people and reportedly wants to alter its existing regulations in order to be able to impose additional penalties in lieu of seeking an official court prosecution against any sportsbetting providers found to have broken the rules. The amended provisions would purportedly also allow the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority to adjust its annual fees for inflation and prohibit firms from offering some inducements including ‘special odds’ offers.

Refined response:

Anthony Keon serves as the Hospitality and Racing Chief Executive for the state government’s Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade and he reportedly noted that the adjusted instructions would moreover allow the government to better react to an evolving evidence base and alter the wording of mandatory counselling and gambling help notices without the need for legislation. He purportedly disclosed that all of this would be topped off by a requirement for controlling bodies in sport to notify the Minister for Sport of any changes in circumstances.

Reportedly read a statement from Keon…

“A large proportion of the community derive great pleasure from wagering and enjoy placing a bet without it becoming a problem. The protections in the regulations not only create sustainability for the industry but certainty for the community that licensees are fit to conduct gambling, that penalties are fair and proportionate and that there is communication and engagement with people who do experience gambling harms.”

Admirable aim:

Keon reportedly furthermore noted that the statutory review has been designed to ensure that regulations and laws covering betting, racing and totalizator wagering in New South Wales, which is Australia’s most populous state, remain up to date with community expectations and a rapidly-changing industry.

Keon’s statement reportedly read…

“Essentially, the regulations support the legislation and are there to set the standards around the conduct of betting service providers so punters can freely pursue wagering as a safe form of leisure and entertainment. With this consultation, we are looking to capture the interests of all stakeholders to ensure a thriving wagering industry can also operate in the community’s interests.”