Investigation of gambling offenses
In New South Wales (NSW), the investigation of gambling offences is governed by the Casino Control Act 1992, Gaming Machines Act 2001, Betting and Racing Act 1998, Public Lotteries Act 1996, and the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The purpose of such investigations is to identify illegal activities, protect players and ensure the integrity of the industry.
1. Investigative bodies
Liquor & Gaming NSW - oversight of land-based venues, slot machines and betting shops.
NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) - Controls and inspections of licensed casinos.
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) - investigation of illegal online gambling and blocking sites.
NSW Police - Operational including raids and arrests.
Financial regulators - control of suspicious transactions and money laundering.
2. Reasons to start an investigation
Complaints from players or employees.
Data on violations identified during scheduled inspections.
Signals about work without a license or with violation of the license conditions.
Detect suspicious bids or transactions.
Ads that violate the law.
3. Investigation stages
1. Preliminary verification - analysis of the information received and determination of jurisdiction.
2. Evidence collection - monitoring operations, test purchases, requesting data from payment systems.
3. Operational actions - raids, seizure of equipment, blocking access to online resources.
4. Official prescriptions - suspension of license or activities during the investigation.
5. Taking a case to court - ruling on fines, forfeiture or criminal sanctions.
4. Powers of investigating authorities
Request documents and financial statements.
Carrying out hidden and open checks.
Account freezes and withdrawals.
Blocking online domains and IP addresses.
Interaction with foreign regulators in case of international violations.
5. Possible consequences for violators
Financial penalties - up to AUD 1.65 million for companies and up to AUD 165,000 for individuals.
Confiscation of gaming equipment and funds obtained illegally.
License revocation or suspension.
Criminal liability with imprisonment.
Conclusion:
1. Investigative bodies
Liquor & Gaming NSW - oversight of land-based venues, slot machines and betting shops.
NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) - Controls and inspections of licensed casinos.
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) - investigation of illegal online gambling and blocking sites.
NSW Police - Operational including raids and arrests.
Financial regulators - control of suspicious transactions and money laundering.
2. Reasons to start an investigation
Complaints from players or employees.
Data on violations identified during scheduled inspections.
Signals about work without a license or with violation of the license conditions.
Detect suspicious bids or transactions.
Ads that violate the law.
3. Investigation stages
1. Preliminary verification - analysis of the information received and determination of jurisdiction.
2. Evidence collection - monitoring operations, test purchases, requesting data from payment systems.
3. Operational actions - raids, seizure of equipment, blocking access to online resources.
4. Official prescriptions - suspension of license or activities during the investigation.
5. Taking a case to court - ruling on fines, forfeiture or criminal sanctions.
4. Powers of investigating authorities
Request documents and financial statements.
Carrying out hidden and open checks.
Account freezes and withdrawals.
Blocking online domains and IP addresses.
Interaction with foreign regulators in case of international violations.
5. Possible consequences for violators
Financial penalties - up to AUD 1.65 million for companies and up to AUD 165,000 for individuals.
Confiscation of gaming equipment and funds obtained illegally.
License revocation or suspension.
Criminal liability with imprisonment.
Conclusion:
- In NSW, the investigation of gambling offenses is carried out comprehensively and with the involvement of several government agencies. The authorities use both traditional and technical methods to identify violations, and the sanctions are aimed at completely eliminating illegal activities in the industry.
