Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) is proud to support NSW GambleAware Week 2024 as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices.

GambleAware Week is an annual campaign designed to encourage conversations about safer gambling. This year’s theme, ‘Safer gambling. Are you on board?’, focuses on practical strategies to help individuals stay in control of their gambling and prevent harm before it occurs.

Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Kai Cantwell said there were numerous proactive steps that people could take to reduce their risk of gambling harm and to protect the wellbeing of their family and friends.

‘Strategies such as setting limits, avoiding chasing losses, gambling only when sober, and maintaining a balance between gambling and other activities were simple yet effective ways to minimise harm – ideas we are championing during this year’s GambleAware Week,’ Mr Cantwell said.

‘Running from October 21 to 29, GambleAware Week is a timely opportunity to reflect on personal gambling habits, check in on friends and loved ones, and spread the word about available support services.

‘Across all states and territories, safer gambling services provide critical assistance, complementing the tools offered by wagering service providers, including the options to set a deposit limit or use the National Self-Exclusion Register, BetStop.

‘RWA members are proud to set the industry standard for keeping customers safe, going beyond the requirements set by governments.

‘The biggest threat to safe gambling in Australia is the offshore black market, which now accounts for 15 per cent of the total market and continues to grow.

 ‘Unlike licensed Australian operators, illegal offshore providers disregard Australian laws, avoid paying taxes, and fail to protect customers.

‘International evidence from Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Spain and Norway shows that overregulating the legal market will leave a void for illegal operators, who will exploit vulnerable Australians and target children with predatory ads.

‘Gamblers aged 18 to 34 and high-stakes players are the most likely to use black market sites – two groups the Federal Government has pledged to protect through its reforms.

‘To truly protect vulnerable Australians, the Government must strike a balance, implementing reforms that reduce harm without over-regulating the legal market.

‘Illegal operators also pose a significant risk to the integrity of Australian sport and racing through match-fixing and race-rigging, with authorities losing oversight of activity in the black market.

‘RWA is committed to working with governments to combat illegal offshore providers and we encourage customers to visit ACMA.gov.au to verify if a site is legal and safe to use.’

To view the campaign or access support services, visit GambleAware NSW or call the 24/7 GambleAware hotline on 1800 858 858 for free, confidential advice.

Support services are also available in all other states and territories.

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