Jumbo Interactive Limited announced that it has entered into a software license agreement with RSPCA Queensland (RSPCA) for the RSPCA national lottery programme.

The current RSPCA national lottery programme generates ~$10m in annual ticket sales. These funds are essential to keeping charities like RSPCA Queensland operating as they are 95.5% community-funded.

Jumbo CEO and Founder, Mike Veverka, said: “We’re very excited to be working with the RSPCA, an iconic brand in Australia, to help it digitally transform and grow their lottery program, and continue to provide lifesaving animal welfare services across Australia.”

Advertisement

RSPCA Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Darren Maier, said: “Growing our supporter base is vital for us to continue to deliver our operations and programs that see us care for and protect over 42,000 animals in Queensland every year. Jumbo’s best-in-class lottery software and demonstrated experience in growing lottery programs were instrumental in the establishment of this strategic partnership.”

The agreement includes a license fee structure in which Jumbo’s SaaS segment will receive a service fee for RSPCA’s utilisation of the “Powered by Jumbo” (PBJ) platform and an additional service fee for select technology-enabled services. The overall service fee will be calculated as a percentage of gross ticket sales from the RSPCA national lottery programme and will be in the mid to high-single digit range, reflecting the scale of the lottery programme.

The agreement is for a three year term with an option to extend for a further three years. The RSPCA national lottery programme is expected to transition to the PBJ platform in 1QFY25.

In addition, Jumbo has entered into a product reseller agreement with RSPCA, facilitating the sale of RSPCA lottery tickets on ozlotteries.

SkyCity Adelaide Pty Ltd (SkyCity) and AUSTRAC have filed joint submissions with the Federal Court of Australia, proposing a $67 million penalty over the casino’s contravention of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act).

A court hearing has been set down for 7 June 2024, at which Justice Lee will consider the parties’ proposed settlement.

While AUSTRAC and SkyCity agree that a $67 million penalty is appropriate in all the circumstances, it is a matter for the court to determine the appropriate penalty.

Advertisement

In reaching this agreement, SkyCity has admitted that it operated in contravention of the AML/CTF Act, including that:

• its AML/CTF Programs did not meet the requirements of the AML/CTF Act and AML/CTF Rules, in contravention of section 81.
• it did not carry out appropriate ongoing customer due diligence with respect to certain higher risk customers and customers transacting through higher risk channels, in contravention of section 36.

“AUSTRAC took this action out of concern that SkyCity’s conduct meant that a range of high-risk practices, behaviours and customer relationships were allowed to continue unchecked for many years,” AUSTRAC’s Chief Executive Officer, Brendan Thomas said.

Mr Thomas said the action serves as an important reminder to casinos and the gaming sector to take their AML/CTF obligations seriously and be vigilant to money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

As the matter is before the court for determination, AUSTRAC is unable to comment further on the proceedings.

The NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms will be top of the agenda when the Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow program visits Tamworth on Tuesday 21 May.

Senior executives from Hospitality and Racing will meet with businesses, industry groups and community and Aboriginal representatives to discuss the Government’s liquor and gaming reforms and regulatory priorities.

The event will also include a presentation by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner on the Government’s Vibrancy Reforms to cut red tape in areas such as noise regulation and boost live music and other entertainment options.

Hospitality and Racing Deputy Secretary Tarek Barakat said the roadshow would provide a great opportunity to engage in genuine dialogue with local industry leaders.

Advertisement

“We’re looking forward to catching up with Tamworth’s liquor, gaming and racing stakeholders to discuss how we can work together to support safe and vibrant hospitality experiences,” Mr Barakat said.

“Tamworth is famous for its annual country music festival, but it also has a thriving live music scene throughout the year.

“This has been expanded even further, as seven Tamworth venues have now taken up the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reform initiative, providing two hours extended trading in return for hosting live music.”

Mr Barakat said the roadshow was also a valuable opportunity for Hospitality and Racing leaders to gain feedback and suggestions on how they could better support the unique needs of north-west NSW communities.

“Those living and working in their communities are best placed to advise us on what is needed and how we can all work better together to achieve outcomes,” he said.

Advertisement

“This is especially true for the local Aboriginal community, and I look forward to hearing from them in regard to the liquor and gaming reforms, as well as listening to any suggestions for future changes and initiatives.”