Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) members, bet365, betfair, Entain, PointsBet, Sportsbet and Unibet are providing more than $3 million over three years to ensure Australians can access financial counselling services promptly if needed. 

RWA has partnered with the Federal Government, the financial counselling sector and a range of industries including banking, energy and insurance to establish a not-for-profit body that will distribute funding to financial counselling services around the country from early next year.
 
Responsible Wagering Australia CEO Kai Cantwell said financial counsellors played a vital role helping Australians in financial difficulty by providing free, independent and confidential advice on ways to manage debts, make informed choices about their money and build a future with financial freedom.      

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

‘This funding builds on our world leading consumer protections that only exist in online gambling including mandatory age and identity verification, deposit limits, time out tools and activity statements.  
 
‘RWA is proud to enter into this agreement after proactively approaching the Federal Government in 2021 and volunteering to contribute to the body.
 
‘The number one priority for RWA and its members is to ensure that our customers can gamble in a safe environment while having access to the tools to stay in control of their gambling behaviour.  

‘This funding commitment demonstrates the collective commitment of RWA and its members to safeguard the well-being of Australians and provide vital support to those who may need assistance managing their financial circumstances.

‘With many Australians currently struggling with increasing cost of living pressures, the work of financial counsellors is more important than ever. 
 
‘This body will help Australians manage their current situation and develop long term financial skills that can be applied in all areas of life.  

‘RWA is committed to working with government and industry to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative and hopes other industries will follow RWA’s lead and contribute to this scheme.’