The Land Down Under is taking a firm stance on ethical wagering. Effective immediately, digital gaming platforms must confirm your birthdate and identification *prior* to account creation or wager placement. This supersedes the previous protocol, which granted a 72-hour verification window – a loophole easily misused.
This action marks a significant victory for proponents of responsible gaming, including Kay Cantwell, head of Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA). She asserts it will function as a potent mechanism to deter underage participation and assist individuals who have self-excluded through BetStop. Cantwell also emphasized the beneficial consequences for combating illicit finance and terrorism funding.
Fortunately, the majority of RWA affiliates are already equipped for this transition. They have been confirming over 90% of their clientele’s identities and ages instantaneously for some time. This updated regulation ensures industry-wide adherence to this elevated benchmark.
The RWA has long advocated for this modification and applauds the government’s decisive action. They posit that it will incentivize individuals to utilize safer wagering tools, such as establishing deposit thresholds from the outset.
In addition to this new regulation, RWA members have been diligently crafting a comprehensive suite of tools to foster responsible gaming, many of which have been integrated into the Australian government’s national consumer protection framework.
Andrew Catterwell, the head of the Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), has conveyed the group’s enthusiasm to take part in the forthcoming evaluation of the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF). The RWA stresses the significance of strong customer safeguards that efficiently cater to the requirements of Australians in handling their wagering actions responsibly.
Catterwell emphasized the internet gambling sector’s proactive stance towards customer protection. He noted that providers, via continuous observation of individual client information, can detect and address atypical or worrisome betting habits swiftly. Nevertheless, he underscored the necessity for uniform regulation across all types of gambling, not solely online, to effectively curtail gambling-related harm.