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AUSTRAC Orders Audits of Sportsbet and Bet365

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AUSTRAC has ordered the appointment of external auditors under section 162 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) to assess compliance of two corporate bookmakers, Sportsbet Pty Ltd (Sportsbet) and Hillside (Australia New Media) Pty Limited (Bet365).

The appointed external auditor will be authorised by AUSTRAC to assess Sportsbet’s and Bet365’s compliance with the AML/CTF Act and Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Rules Instrument 2007 (No. 1) (AML/CTF Rules).

These actions by AUSTRAC are the result of an extensive supervisory campaign that assessed entities within the corporate bookmaker sector and follows the recent commencement of an investigation into Entain.

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The external auditors must report to AUSTRAC within 180 days of being appointed and will examine Sportsbet’s and Bet365’s compliance with:

  • Adopting and maintaining an AML/CTF programme that has risk-based systems and controls in place to effectively identify, mitigate and manage money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) risks.
  • Undertaking an appropriate ML/TF Risk Assessment that considers the risk posed by their customer types, the types of designated services they provide and the methods by which they deliver those designated services.
  • Ensuring Sportsbet and Bet365 have a framework through which their Boards and senior management have ongoing oversight of their Part A Programmes; and
  • Appropriately monitoring their customers with a view to identifying, mitigating and managing the risk they may reasonably face that the provision of designated services may involve or facilitate money laundering or the financing of terrorism.

The extent of the auditor’s examination of each entity is determined by AUSTRAC and will be at Sportsbet’s and Bet365’s expense.

The outcomes of the audit will assist Sportsbet and Bet365 to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations, and inform AUSTRAC whether any further regulatory action is required.

AUSTRAC Chief Executive Officer Nicole Rose said non-compliance with the AML/CTF Act is a serious issue. Where AUSTRAC identifies systematic failings, we will intervene to ensure the integrity of Australia’s financial system.

“Sportsbet and Bet365 are amongst the largest operators in the corporate bookmaking sector. AUSTRAC is putting the whole industry on notice to lift their game.”

“Ultimately, enforcing non-compliance is about protecting the community. Money laundering feeds organised crime and all the harm that comes with it. We need businesses at the front line to fully comply with the AML/CTF Act – to understand and mitigate their risks and report suspected crimes.”

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“AUSTRAC will not hesitate to take action where suspected non-compliance is identified, to protect businesses from being exploited and protect the Australian community from harm.”

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Australia

NSW Government Launches New Gambling Awareness Campaign

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The NSW Government has launched a new GambleAware campaign, Safer Gambling, Stronger Communities, aimed at preventing and reducing gambling harm in Aboriginal communities across the state.

Using culturally meaningful animations created by young filmmakers at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, the campaign encourages Aboriginal people to reflect on their gambling and make safer choices.

Office of Responsible Gambling (ORG) Director Alison Parkinson said the campaign, which will run until June across traditional media and digital platforms, directs viewers to the GambleAware website where they can access further information and support services.

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“We know that gambling harm disproportionately affects Aboriginal communities, which is why this campaign is so important,” Ms Parkinson said.

“It speaks directly to First Nations people in a way that is culturally relevant and meaningful.”

The initiative is backed by the Hospitality and Racing Group’s new Aboriginal Stakeholder Strategy which partners with Aboriginal communities to deliver culturally responsive programmes and policies.

Ms Parkinson said it is vital Aboriginal communities have access to the right support, with important messages delivered directly to them.

“By empowering First Nations communities with knowledge and resources, we can help break the cycle of gambling harm and advance closing the gap towards a safer, healthier future for generations to come,” Ms Parkinson said.

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ORG has allocated $100,000 from the Responsible Gambling Fund to support the initiative.

The post NSW Government Launches New Gambling Awareness Campaign appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Australia

WATERHOUSE VC SECURES OPTION IN MAINCARD, THE “SHOPIFY OF ONLINE BETTING”

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Waterhouse VC, an investment fund specialising in the technology layer of the global gambling industry, has secured an option in Maincard, a “Shopify of Online Betting” platform targeting the launch of fully customisable licensed online betting sites in under 30 minutes.

Maincard targets the $1 trillion iGaming market by replacing months of development work, cumbersome licensing and complex integrations with a subscription-style workflow. Crypto-native founders, influencers and digital communities can spin up branded betting sites, monetise their audiences and retain full upside ownership from day one.

“iGaming still suffers from high startup costs and significant technical and regulatory friction,” said Tom Waterhouse, Chief Investment Officer of Waterhouse VC. “We’re seeing strong potential in platforms that can streamline development, similar to how Shopify revolutionised e-commerce. The sector is ripe for innovation that allows new entrants to focus on player acquisition and retention rather than backend development.”

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“Waterhouse VC’s deep domain knowledge and network will accelerate our go-to-market,” said Valerii Makovetskii, Founder and CEO of Maincard. “We’ve developed strong technical foundations with our crypto-friendly payments gateway already powering third-party casinos. The next step is to make launching a betting site as easy as launching an online storefront.”

The investment aligns with Waterhouse VC’s approach of identifying promising B2B technology companies serving the wagering industry and negotiating options to acquire stakes in these businesses.

Maincard platform vision:

  •     Launch in <30 minutes — drag-and-drop, no code required
  •     End-to-end compliance — licensing, KYC/AML, fraud, payments, customer support and marketing handled by Maincard
  •     15,000+ casino games & 1,000+ sportsbook markets out of the box

Maincard is currently raising USD $3M to scale its sales team and launch multiple brands from the waiting list by the end of Q3 2025.

The post WATERHOUSE VC SECURES OPTION IN MAINCARD, THE “SHOPIFY OF ONLINE BETTING” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Martin Pakula Named Chair of Crown Melbourne

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Crown Resorts has announced that The Hon. Martin Pakula will join the Board of Crown Melbourne, effective May 1, 2025, and will succeed Mr. Ian Silk, as Chair, from July 1, 2025.

As Chair, Mr. Silk has successfully led Crown Melbourne through a period of unprecedented remediation and transformation during the past two and a half years. Mr. Silk’s strong leadership through the organisation’s operational and cultural transformation, saw Crown Melbourne regain its licence from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. To ensure a seamless transition Mr Silk will remain in his role until 1 July 2025.

As incoming Chair, Mr. Pakula brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served as Attorney-General, and Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events in the Victorian government. He currently serves as Chair of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

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Crown Resorts CEO, Mr. David Tsai, said: “Martin’s appointment comes at an exciting time as Crown continues to focus on innovation and growth. I look forward to Crown benefiting from Martin’s extensive industry and leadership experience. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Ian for his exceptional leadership and the pivotal role he played in overseeing Crown Melbourne’s extensive transformation.”

Mr. Silk said: “It has been an honour to serve as Chair. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved over the past two and a half years, and I want to thank everyone at Crown Melbourne for their dedication and hard work. I’m confident Crown Melbourne will continue to thrive with Martin’s leadership.”

Mr. Pakula said: “I am delighted to accept the role of Chair at Crown Melbourne and to play a role in its exciting future. Crown is an iconic business that is a critical part of Victoria’s economy, tourism and entertainment industry.”

The post Martin Pakula Named Chair of Crown Melbourne appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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