In an effort to promote responsible gambling practices, Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) is joining with NSW GambleAware Week for 2023.
The theme for this year's GambleAware week is 'What's gambling costing you?' – a question aimed at raising awareness about available support services.
Kai Cantwell, CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, emphasised the significance of this event, calling it an important time to reflect on personal gambling habits, reach out to friends and family and spread awareness about the assistance services available.
RWA members will actively participate by featuring GambleAware week promotions within their apps and on their websites.
Customers placing bets will encounter GambleAware Week promotions, complete with links to support services.
Cantwell lauded RWA members for going above and beyond government requirements to ensure customer safety.
Cantwell also highlighted that a critical issue facing the industry is illegal offshore operators luring Australians with enticing promotions. Cantwell argues that these operators, in contrast to RWA members and licensed wagering providers, evade Australian laws, taxes and consumer protection measures.
According to Responsible Wagering Australia, the offshore market now accounts for 15% of the entire Australian gambling market, valued at over $1.63bn annually. It poses a potential threat of up to $3bn to the Australian economy from 2022 to 2027.
Illegitimate operators are known to engage in practices like restricting withdrawals and targeting underage audiences.
Cantwell expressed that RWA's support for government efforts is to combat illegal offshore providers and urge consumers to verify the legality of websites at ACMA.gov.au.
