Responsibilities of operators to protect players
In New South Wales (NSW), gambling operators are required to ensure that gamblers' interests are protected by operating within the Casino Control Act 1992, Gaming Machines Act 2001, Betting and Racing Act 1998, and the federal Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-TT terrorism Financing Act 2006. These responsibilities cover both terrestrial and online platforms licensed to operate in Australia.
1. Responsible play
Providing self-exclusion tools with the ability to block an account for a selected period or forever.
Setting personal limits on deposits, bets and playing time.
Posting warnings about gambling risks and information about help services.
Preventing access to underage games (age control).
2. Honesty and transparency of games
Use of certified random number generators (RNGs) and their regular audits by independent organizations (e.g. eCOGRA, iTech Labs).
A clear and accessible statement of game rules, bonus conditions and odds.
Prohibition on changing the mechanics of games without notice and approval of the regulator.
3. Financial security
Timely payment of winnings within the terms established by the rules.
Separate storage of player funds and company operating funds.
Connect all transactions to monitoring systems to detect suspicious transactions (AML/KYC).
4. Personal data protection
Use SSL encryption and secure information transfer protocols.
Data retention under the Australian Privacy Act 1988.
Restrict access to data to authorized employees.
5. Dealing with complaints
Having a transparent complaints procedure.
Timely response to requests - usually within 24-72 hours.
Potential for escalation to a regulator or independent arbitration.
6. Control by regulators
Regular inspections by Liquor & Gaming NSW and NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
Sanctions for violations range from fines to suspension or revocation of a license.
Conclusion:
1. Responsible play
Providing self-exclusion tools with the ability to block an account for a selected period or forever.
Setting personal limits on deposits, bets and playing time.
Posting warnings about gambling risks and information about help services.
Preventing access to underage games (age control).
2. Honesty and transparency of games
Use of certified random number generators (RNGs) and their regular audits by independent organizations (e.g. eCOGRA, iTech Labs).
A clear and accessible statement of game rules, bonus conditions and odds.
Prohibition on changing the mechanics of games without notice and approval of the regulator.
3. Financial security
Timely payment of winnings within the terms established by the rules.
Separate storage of player funds and company operating funds.
Connect all transactions to monitoring systems to detect suspicious transactions (AML/KYC).
4. Personal data protection
Use SSL encryption and secure information transfer protocols.
Data retention under the Australian Privacy Act 1988.
Restrict access to data to authorized employees.
5. Dealing with complaints
Having a transparent complaints procedure.
Timely response to requests - usually within 24-72 hours.
Potential for escalation to a regulator or independent arbitration.
6. Control by regulators
Regular inspections by Liquor & Gaming NSW and NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).
Sanctions for violations range from fines to suspension or revocation of a license.
Conclusion:
- In NSW, gambling operators have complex responsibilities to protect gamblers, from ensuring the integrity of games and the security of transactions to implementing responsible gambling and data protection measures. Failure to comply with these requirements threatens with serious sanctions, up to the loss of a license and a ban on activities.
