The regulator outlined how it plans on using technology to tackle emerging consumer protection challenges
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.
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.
Suzy Neilan, CEO at the VGCCC, said in response to the sophisticated technology used by gambling operators to attract players: “we will leverage technology, data, research and intelligence to allow us to identify risks earlier and act sooner.”
The announcement comes immediately off the back of the Australian government’s national programme on gambling harms, which was announced on 17 August.
Parliament will push through a package of gambling reforms, largely related to marketing.
The restrictions will come into force on 1 January, and align with the VGCCC’s plan in so far as they will necessitate a review after three years.
Clarifying objectives in year one
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.
The ‘immediate horizon’ focuses on the initial 12 months and relates directly to the government’s latest reforms.
In the strategy document, it is noted that “expectations of regulators and the outcomes we deliver are increasing” as a result of policy reforms and increased public and media scrutiny.
As well as modernising the regulator’s technology systems and AI models, year one is also being earmarked as a time for clarifying expectations and success measures.
Engaging with industry
The clearest and most specific aim of year two appears to be a stronger focus on engagement with industry and other stakeholders.
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.
There is currently a particular focus on values over actionable measures. Seemingly, turning the values of “integrity, safety and fairness” into clear regulatory policy is part of the first-year remit.
Another clear repeated mantra in the strategy document is the idea of holding industry to account for its legal obligations.
Aligning with national obligations
One of the predicating ideas of this strategy is that digital marketing and online gaming have made gambling more accessible than ever for consumers.
This is one of the same principles that has guided the marketing reforms being legislated at present by the Albanese government.
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.
Inducements, broadcast windows, and social media promotions have all been targeted in the legislation, while an industry levy will be implemented to fund a new national register of consumers that want to opt out of all online gambling advertising.
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