The Government of Victoria (Australia) has published in its official gazette a series of additional measures to promote responsible gaming and protect consumers.
According to the government, the updated harm minimization measures for betting and interactive betting service providers are in addition to existing requirements relating to inducements, direct marketing, account deposit limits and the closing of betting accounts.
Additional requirements apply to the following:
- interstate wagering service providers offering interactive wagering and betting services to Victorians
- wagering service providers licensed in Victoria who provide interactive wagering and betting services to any person, including interstate customers.
- Activity statements and betting account records
In this regard, as of July 31, 2022, operators must:
- Provide customers with monthly activity statements, by email or post. The previous month’s statement must also be available by request or through their online betting account.
- Enable customers to access a record of their betting account transactions. These records must always be available immediately via the customer's online betting account or be emailed or posted within 14 days of the customer's request.
Betting service providers that are unable to meet the above requirements by this date may request an extension to comply by November 14, 2022.
On the other hand, from 31 March 2023, wagering service providers must ensure all relevant persons (including employees, contractors and directors who are involved in providing betting services or in decisions that affect the betting services provided) complete the responsible service of wagering training courses.
More specifically, they explain the following cases:
- Existing relevant persons as at 28 February 2023 must complete initial training by 31 March 2023.
- New persons must complete the initial training no later than one month after commencing employment
- Everyone must complete an annual refresher training within 12 months of completing the initial training and every year thereafter.
- Records of staff training must be kept for at least 7 years and the VGCCC may request a copy.
The Ministerial Direction includes more information on how training can be provided and other record keeping requirements that apply to betting service providers.
As regards direct marketing when creating new betting accounts, as of June 30, 2023, betting service providers must ensure that new customers can create a betting account without being required to consent to direct marketing, or take additional steps to opt out of receiving direct marketing.
READ MINISTERIAL ORDER (PDF)
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