From peaks to progress: SiGMA Foundation’s second Mount Toubkal expedition

The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has imposed a fine of AUD370,417 (€227,769) on after the company pleaded guilty to 43 charges related to underage gambling and inadequate supervision of its Electronic Betting Terminals. The charges were brought by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) following an investigation into incidents involving a 17-year-old gambling at multiple venues across Victoria. 

In May 2023, the VGCCC charged after it was discovered that a minor had gambled on numerous occasions between May 2022 and October 2023. The venues involved included Albion Charles Hotel, Brunswick Club, Coburg TAB Agency, Cramers Hotel, Doncaster Hotel, Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Edwardes Lake Hotel, Excelsior Hotel, Northcote TAB Agency, Olympic Hotel, Parkview Hotel, Preston Hotel, and Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel. 

Annette Kimmitt AM, CEO of the VGCCC, emphasised the gravity of Tabcorp’s breaches. “The breaches committed by Tabcorp are incredibly serious, reflecting a fundamental failure to protect minors from the risks associated with gambling, as well as a lack of vigilance on their part,” she stated. Kimmitt underscored the importance of gambling providers and their staff in preventing underage gambling. 

“These failures undermine the integrity and safety of the industry. Gambling providers and their staff are on the frontline of our efforts to prevent underage gambling,” Kimmitt continued. “It is their duty to rigorously check IDs and supervise gambling activities to ensure minors are not able to access these services. Their vigilance is crucial in safeguarding young people from the harms of gambling.” 

Kimmitt stressed the VGCCC’s commitment to protecting the community and ensuring the gambling industry adheres to the highest standards of conduct. “It is imperative that all stakeholders in the gambling industry understand the gravity of this issue and take their responsibilities seriously to prevent such harm,” she said.  

“The VGCCC is committed to protecting the community and ensuring that all gambling operations adhere to the highest standards of conduct. We will continue to take decisive action in upholding the safety and wellbeing of our community, particularly when it comes to children,” she said. 

The hefty fine serves as a stern reminder to gambling providers about their critical role in preventing underage gambling and maintaining the industry's integrity. 

Find out more about the latest updates and trends in the industry, from latest regulatory news to most recent innovations at the upcoming  Summit happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September.

 As the excitement builds for Euro 2024 in Germany, Singaporean authorities are intensifying their crackdown on illegal and problem gambling during the month-long tournament from June 14 to July 14, according to a report by Channel News Asia.  

In a joint announcement on Wednesday, ’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) reaffirmed their strict policy against unlicenced gambling activities. They emphasised that such activities lack necessary social safeguards, such as spending limits and responsible gambling measures.  

Singapore Pools remains the sole licenced provider for lotteries and sports betting in the country. The ministries underscored that any gambling activities outside of this framework are prohibited.  

“The police will enforce stringent actions against illegal gambling operations, including those aiding gambling syndicates,” stated the ministries. In 2023 alone, authorities carried out over 300 raids, resulting in more than 450 arrests. They also collaborated with stakeholders to disconnect phone numbers promoting illegal gambling and close related bank accounts.  

During the 2021 European Football Championship, a collaborative Interpol-led operation led to the arrest of 72 individuals in Singapore for illegal football gambling. Authorities confiscated over SGD800,000 (€548,480) in cash, along with computers, laptops, and mobile phones. The Gambling Regulatory Authority has also blocked more than 3,400 illegal gambling websites and over 260 bank accounts, seizing more than SGD36 million (€24.68 million) linked to illegal online gambling services.  

To coincide with Euro 2024, Singapore’s National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) will bolster their public education and outreach initiatives. Advertisements will be prominently featured on TV, newspapers, digital platforms, and social media to highlight the dangers of excessive football betting.  

Authorities strongly advise the public against engaging with illegal gambling operators and encourage practices. The MHA and MSF highlighted the crucial role of family and community in supporting individuals with gambling addictions, urging them to seek help through the National Problem Gambling Helpline or NCPG’s webchat service.  

Legal penalties for conducting illegal gambling operations in Singapore are severe, with fines of up to SGD500,000 (€342,800) and imprisonment for up to seven years for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including fines of up to SGD700,000 (€479,920) and imprisonment for up to ten years. Those caught gambling with unlicenced service providers could face fines up to SGD10,000 (€6,856), imprisonment for up to six months, or both. 

Find out more about the latest updates and trends in the industry, from latest regulatory news to most recent innovations at the upcoming  Summit happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September.

Australians are now prohibited from using credit cards and digital currencies for online betting, a move by the government aimed at preventing individuals from gambling with money they do not possess. The new restrictions encompass credit cards linked to digital wallets, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, and other emerging forms of credit. This regulation aligns rules with those for land-based gambling, although online lotteries remain unaffected and still permit credit card payments. 

Responsible Wagering Australia’s chief executive, Kai Cantwell, has advocated for the ban to extend to these exempt forms of gambling. “This is an important measure to protect customers, making it easier for people to stay in control of their own gambling behaviour,” Cantwell stated. He emphasised that inconsistent consumer protection measures across various gambling forms could drive vulnerable Australians to less-regulated types, increasing their risk of harm. 

The industry has been granted a six-month transition period to comply with the new rules, which took full effect on Tuesday. Companies failing to adhere to the ban may face fines of up to AUD234,750 (€144,441). To ensure compliance, the communications watchdog has been granted expanded enforcement powers. 

The federal government is also considering a gradual phase-out of gambling advertisements over three years, a recommendation from a parliamentary inquiry on problem gambling. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland affirmed the government's commitment to further preventive measures, stating, “Australians should not be gambling with money they do not have. This ban builds on the significant progress to minimise gambling harm that the Albanese Government has made over the past two years, which is already benefiting thousands of vulnerable Australians.” 

Recent reforms include a betting self-exclusion register, which has already seen participation from 22,000 individuals. Additionally, starting in September, computer games featuring gambling-like content will be classified as R18+, while those with in-game purchases will be rated M. These measures are part of a broader initiative to curb gambling-related harm and reshape the cultural perception of . 

Despite the sweeping changes, online lotteries are currently exempt from the credit card ban, a loophole that some argue needs to be addressed to ensure comprehensive consumer protection. As highlighted by The Canberra Times and Crypto News Australia, this regulatory gap might incentivise gamblers to shift to online lotteries, undermining the overall intent of the reforms. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA East Europe 2024, 2 – 4 September. Find all the details . 

Indonesia's Communications and Information Minister, Budi Arie Setiadi, has raised concerns about money laundering activities connected to online gambling. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) identified these suspicious activities in the first quarter of the year.  

According to local media reports, the discussed the issue during a meeting with the House of Representatives Commission I, which oversees communications, defence, intelligence, and foreign affairs. He indicated that money obtained from gambling winnings is being laundered but refrained from providing specific details about the cases.  

Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Hadi Tjahjanto previously disclosed that online gambling activities from January to March amounted to a transactional value of Rp100 trillion (€5.7 billion). This figure represents a significant portion of the total Rp327 trillion (€18.5 billion) in online gambling transactions recorded for the entire year of 2023.  

Commission I member Nurul Arifin from the Golkar Party highlighted the substantial economic losses due to online gambling and questioned the effectiveness of the ministry’s measures to combat it. She referenced the ministry's claim of blocking 800,000 online gambling sites last year and expressed scepticism about the success of these efforts given the high transactional values.  

In response, Setiadi reiterated the ministry's dedication to , emphasising the detrimental impact on family finances and national well-being. He noted that the financial losses incurred by Indonesians benefit other countries, underscoring the importance of tackling this issue.  

Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has established a special interministerial task force to address the proliferation of online gambling. This task force, led by senior minister Hadi Tjahjanto, includes Setiadi overseeing prevention efforts and National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo handling enforcement.  

In Indonesia, all forms of gambling are illegal, with severe penalties for participants and organizers. Under Article 303 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), those involved in gambling activities face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to Rp25 million (€1,418). Additionally, distributors of online gambling software could be sentenced to six years in prison and fined up to Rp1 billion (€56,730) under the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law.  

Find out more about the latest updates and trends in the industry, from latest regulatory news to most recent innovations at the upcoming  Summit happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September.