Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) has revealed its firm support for the NSW GambleAware Week 2024, an annual campaign that promotes responsible gambling habits and raises awareness about available support services. “Safer gambling. Are you on board?” is the campaign’s theme which runs from October 21 to 29. The campaign seeks to persuade people to embrace practices that lessen the risks associated with gambling.

RWA Supports NSW GambleAware Week 2024 to Promote Safer Gambling Practices

The 2024 campaign arrives at a crucial time, focusing not only on individual responsibility but also on addressing the rising concerns about the broader gambling environment, including the growing influence of illegal offshore gambling operators. These operators are increasingly seen as a threat to both Australian consumers and the integrity of its sports betting landscape.

The Importance of GambleAware Week 2024

NSW GambleAware Week 2024 highlights key strategies that help mitigate the risks associated with gambling, urging Australians to participate in their welfare actively. The campaign encourages individuals to set personal gambling limits, avoid chasing losses, and gamble responsibly by keeping a balance between gambling and other activities. It also emphasizes that gamblers should only participate when they are in a clear state of mind and are fully informed of the risks.

Strategies for Safer Gambling

As part of the campaign, RWA CEO Kai Cantwell highlighted specific strategies the organization is championing. These include:

• Setting financial and time limits: One of the most effective ways to prevent gambling harm is to establish strict limits on how much money and time individuals spend on gambling.
• Avoid chasing losses: This common behavior leads to further financial damage and emotional distress. Understanding that gambling is meant to be entertainment, not a source of income, is crucial for maintaining control.
• Gambling only when sober: Engaging in gambling activities while under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the likelihood of impulsive and high-risk decisions.
• Maintaining balance: Gambling should not consume an individual’s life. RWA encourages players to balance their gambling with other activities and social engagements to avoid excessive involvement.

Reflecting on Gambling Habits

In addition to individual strategies, GambleAware Week urges Australians to take stock of their gambling habits and check in on friends and family. Many may not recognize that their gambling is becoming a problem, and this week serves as a reminder to utilize the various support services available across the country.

RWA has been vocal in promoting the use of gambling support services such as counseling, self-exclusion programs, and educational resources that guide how to gamble safely. NSW GambleAware Week aims to destigmatize the use of these services and encourage anyone experiencing gambling-related harm to seek help early.

The Growing Concern of Illegal Offshore Gambling Operators

While promoting responsible gambling is at the forefront of RWA’s mission, the organization is also deeply concerned about the rise of illegal offshore gambling platforms. These unregulated operators reportedly account for an alarming 15% of the Australian gambling market, posing significant risks to consumers.

Impact on the Australian Gambling Market

Beyond the risks to individuals, illegal offshore operators threaten the stability of the entire Australian gambling industry. These platforms siphon revenue from regulated operators, potentially stifling investment in local sports and entertainment industries. According to RWA’s estimates, the Australian economy could lose up to $3bn by 2027 if the issue of illegal offshore gambling is not addressed.

Balancing Regulation and Consumer Protection

RWA CEO Kai Cantwell has urged the Australian government to take action against these unregulated operators, while simultaneously ensuring that legitimate, licensed operators are not overburdened by excessive regulation. Striking the right balance is critical to protecting vulnerable consumers while keeping the market competitive.

Cantwell cited international examples where overregulation of legal gambling operators, such as in Sweden and Italy, has inadvertently driven players toward illegal markets. This can have the unintended effect of increasing gambling-related harm, as unregulated operators are not held to the same standards of consumer protection.

The Role of Government and Industry Collaboration

The Australian government, along with industry bodies like Responsible Wagering Australia, must collaborate to address these challenges. By enhancing regulation around illegal operators while providing support for licensed businesses, the goal is to maintain a well-regulated market that prioritizes consumer protection without driving players to riskier, unregulated platforms.

RWA’s commitment to NSW GambleAware Week 2024 is a testament to its ongoing efforts to promote responsible gambling and safeguard the interests of all Australians. The organization continues to advocate for smarter regulations that protect both consumers and the integrity of Australia’s gambling landscape.

Conclusion: The Campaign

NSW GambleAware Week 2024 is more than just an awareness campaign; it is a crucial step in fostering a safer gambling culture in Australia. As the industry faces the dual challenge of promoting responsible gambling while addressing the rise of illegal offshore operators, initiatives like this provide vital support for individuals, families, and the community at large.

FAQs About Responsible Wagering Australia and NSW GambleAware Week 2024

1. What is NSW GambleAware Week 2024?

NSW GambleAware Week 2024 is an annual campaign, running from 21-29 October, aimed at promoting safer gambling practices and raising awareness about the support services available for individuals and families affected by gambling. The theme this year is “Safer gambling. Are you on board?”

2. What is Responsible Wagering Australia’s role in NSW GambleAware Week 2024?

Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) is a major supporter of NSW GambleAware Week 2024. RWA helps promote the campaign by encouraging individuals to adopt responsible gambling strategies, such as setting limits, gambling only when sober, and maintaining a healthy balance between gambling and other activities.

3. What strategies are promoted to encourage safer gambling during GambleAware Week?

Key strategies promoted by RWA include:

• Setting financial and time limits for gambling.
• Avoiding chasing losses, which can lead to further financial harm.
• Gambling only when sober to avoid making impulsive decisions.
• Maintaining balance between gambling and other activities.

4. How much of the Australian gambling market is occupied by illegal offshore operators?

Illegal offshore operators reportedly account for 15% of the Australian gambling market. These unregulated platforms continue to grow, posing risks to both individual gamblers and the wider industry.

5. What is Responsible Wagering Australia’s stance on gambling regulation?

RWA advocates for balanced regulation. While it supports strong measures to protect consumers, RWA cautions against overregulating licensed operators, as this could drive gamblers to illegal offshore platforms, which offer no consumer protections.

6. What are the potential economic impacts of illegal offshore gambling in Australia?

RWA estimates that illegal offshore gambling could cause economic losses of up to $3bn by 2027 if the issue is not addressed. This loss comes from unregulated platforms siphoning revenue from the legal gambling market.

7. What support services are available during NSW GambleAware Week 2024?

During NSW GambleAware Week, various support services are promoted, including counseling, self-exclusion programs, and educational resources to help individuals make informed choices and seek help if they are experiencing gambling-related harm.

8. What actions is the Australian government being urged to take regarding illegal gambling?

RWA is urging the Australian government to enhance regulations around illegal offshore operators while ensuring that legal, licensed businesses remain competitive. Striking the right balance between consumer protection and market regulation is crucial.

9. How does RWA suggest tackling gambling-related harm?

RWA suggests a multi-faceted approach, including promoting responsible gambling practices, educating consumers about the risks, and enforcing regulations against illegal operators to protect vulnerable individuals and safeguard the integrity of the gambling industry.