Regulating the Game conference announces London edition in September after successful Sydney week

The latest edition of the Regulating the Game conference concluded in Sydney with two keynote addresses, marking the end of an eventful week. The gathering brought together heavyweights from the gaming industry and focused on shaping the future of regulatory practices. Paul Newson Principal at Vanguard Overwatch is now bringing the event to London in late September 2023. 

The conference kicked off with an opening speech by Annette Kimmett AM, CEO of the VGCCC (Video Game and Casino Control Commission), who highlighted the need for a new regulatory posture and the increased expectations of the industry. Meanwhile, Adam Rytenskild, CEO and MD of Tabcorp, drew attention to the "uneven playing field" among competitors and pledged to end prime-time advertising, committing to a fairer landscape.

Regulating the Game delved into various pressing issues facing regulators and the gambling industry, each day dedicated to different topics. The first day focused on regulatory updates and expectations. The following day shifted the spotlight toward detailed discussions on anti-money laundering practices, highlighting the industry's commitment to combat financial crimes. Innovation, particularly in the realm of safer gambling practices, emerged as a recurring theme throughout the conference.

One notable presentation that garnered attention was the unveiling of the DeepAR model by Sarah McWhirter from Sportsbet. The model showcased targeted real-time interventions for safer gambling, underscoring the industry's ongoing efforts to prioritize player well-being.

Regulating the Game also provided an ideal platform for regulators and industry professionals to engage in discussions, share insights, and exchange views. The conference boasted strong representation from Australian regulators, including senior representatives from Victoria, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales. International markets were also well-represented, with participants from Malta, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea contributing to the discussions on best-practice models.

The notable attendance of major operators, including Crown Resorts, Sky City, Marina Bay Sands, The Lottery Company, Entain, Sportsbet, Endeavour Group, LexisNexis, Gaming Laboratories International, and leading registered clubs, highlighted the significance of the event. Regulating the Game aimed to uplift industry capability, foster compliance orientation, and cultivate leadership, ensuring the sector's responsible and sustainable growth, according to organizers.

The conference's marquee event was the Gala Dinner held at Nour in Surry Hills on Thursday evening. Paul Newson, principal at regulatory and compliance advisory Vanguard Overwatch, delivered a speech that emphasized the seismic shift in regulatory settings and the evolving sentiment of the community and government. 

“It is inarguable that the baseline declared by Commissioner Hayne at the Financial Services Royal Commission of ‘obey the law’ is now fundamentally inadequate for the sector and ‘going above and beyond’ must underlie the strategic approach and direction of the industry going forward and be at the center of everything operators do," Newson said.

Buoyed by the success of the Sydney edition, Senet and the International Center for Gaming Regulation have announced plans to bring Regulating the Game to London in late September 2023. The London conference has already secured a number of speakers, including Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, chairwoman of ANJ (the French National Gambling Authority); Leanne Oxley, director of enforcement for the UK Gambling Commission; Andrew Lyman, executive director and Gambling Commissioner of Gibraltar; and Cathy Judd-Stein, chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Looking ahead, preparations for Regulating the Game Sydney 2024 will soon commence building upon the knowledge and conversations from this year's conference. Organizers aim to introduce emerging research, innovative regulatory policies, and practices that promote "a safe, secure, and innovative industry."