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The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has released Strategy 2029, its three-year action plan to minimise gambling harms in the Australian state.<\/p>\n
The strategy comes in response to emerging, technologically complex challenges to consumer protection, and aims to combat the threats in turn with a more tech-focused approach.<\/p>\n
Suzy Neilan, CEO at the VGCCC, said in response to the sophisticated technology used by gambling operators to attract players: \u201cwe will leverage technology, data, research and intelligence to allow us to identify risks earlier and act sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n
The announcement comes immediately off the back of the Australian government\u2019s national programme on gambling harms, which was announced on 17 August.<\/p>\n
Parliament will push through a package of gambling reforms, largely related to marketing.<\/p>\n
The restrictions will come into force on 1 January, and align with the VGCCC\u2019s plan in so far as they will necessitate a review after three years.<\/p>\n
Clarifying objectives in year one<\/p>\n
As well as meeting the immediate challenges identified by the regulator, the medium- to longer-term aim of Strategy 2029 is to instil a level of technological agility in order to respond effectively to relevant industry developments as and when they arise.<\/p>\n
The \u2018immediate horizon\u2019 focuses on the initial 12 months and relates directly to the government\u2019s latest reforms.<\/p>\n
In the strategy document, it is noted that \u201cexpectations of regulators and the outcomes we deliver are increasing\u201d as a result of policy reforms and increased public and media scrutiny.<\/p>\n
As well as modernising the regulator\u2019s technology systems and AI models, year one is also being earmarked as a time for clarifying expectations and success measures.<\/p>\n
Engaging with industry<\/p>\n
The clearest and most specific aim of year two appears to be a stronger focus on engagement with industry and other stakeholders.<\/p>\n
And finally, in the 2028\/29 period, the VGCCC will hope to have a bank of evidence and outcomes to demonstrate how the industry has changed and how the regulator has become more proactive in its oversight.<\/p>\n
There is currently a particular focus on values over actionable measures. Seemingly, turning the values of \u201cintegrity, safety and fairness\u201d into clear regulatory policy is part of the first-year remit.<\/p>\n
Another clear repeated mantra in the strategy document is the idea of holding industry to account for its legal obligations.<\/p>\n
Aligning with national obligations<\/p>\n
One of the predicating ideas of this strategy is that digital marketing and online gaming have made gambling more accessible than ever for consumers.<\/p>\n
This is one of the same principles that has guided the marketing reforms being legislated at present by the Albanese government.<\/p>\n
The prime minister has been facing pressure from all sides to strengthen the proposals, and this week struck a deal with the Liberal-National coalition, that will theoretically allow him to advance any bill through both houses.<\/p>\n