The national gambling landscape is evolving rapidly, creating new challenges for regulators and increasing the potential for harm among people at risk.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has responded with the release of Strategy 2029, its three-year plan for regulating the state’s gambling industry.
A major priority will be strengthening the technology used to monitor gambling activity and identify emerging risks.
VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said gambling operators are increasingly using sophisticated technology to attract customers, encourage continued play and make gambling easier to access.
This includes alternative and frictionless payment methods, betting products designed to increase gambling intensity, and technology-driven inducements aimed at keeping people engaged.
As these practices continue to develop, the VGCCC plans to draw on data, research and intelligence to identify potential risks earlier and intervene more quickly.
Strategy 2029 does not focus on one particular gambling product or sector. Instead, the VGCCC says its regulatory approach will be guided by evidence, with resources directed toward areas where the potential for harm is greatest.
That could include particular venues, customer groups, products or emerging industry practices.
The strategy also places a strong emphasis on engagement, education and harm minimisation, alongside targeted regulatory action.
The VGCCC says changes to online products, promotions and payment systems are making gambling increasingly accessible, while advances in technology are allowing gambling activity to take place across more channels.
For regulators, this creates a more complex environment to monitor and increases the need for a flexible approach.
“The VGCCC continues to monitor regulatory risks through active horizon scanning to ensure it identifies any concerning technology innovations and enhancements, and where required, considers and implements required controls to address such risks,” Neilan told PubTIC.
Strategy 2029 is intended to build on the work undertaken by the VGCCC since its establishment, while giving the regulator greater capacity to adapt as the gambling market changes.
The overarching focus remains reducing gambling harm across the Victorian community, with technology, data and intelligence expected to play a central role in how the regulator identifies risks and responds to them.
“The VGCCC will use every tool available so that gambling in Victoria is as safe and fair as possible, and the industry operates safely, fairly and with integrity,” adds Neilan.
