"The 2024 edition of Regulating the Game solidified its status as a premier global conference on gambling law and regulation"

Now in its fifth edition, the Regulating the Game (RtG) conference has year after year served as the event that bridges the gap between regulators, industry professionals, and stakeholders. The meeting explores the latest developments in gambling law and regulation, providing attendees with new tools, actionable insights, and more, drawing an audience from around the world.

With preparations for the 2025 Sydney edition of RTG now complete, with the event scheduled for March 10 to 13 at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Yogonet held an exclusive interview with Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch Pty Ltd and Director of Regulating the Game, to learn more about what to expect from next year's show and the key takeaways from the 2024 edition.

How would you describe 2024 for Regulting the Game? What were some of the major takeaways of the 2024 Sydney edition?

The 2024 edition of Regulating the Game (RTG) marked a significant milestone, solidifying its status as a premier global conference on gambling law and regulation. Held in Sydney from March 10 to 15, the event attracted a diverse array of Australian and international stakeholders, including regulators, industry leaders, and academics, fostering a collaborative environment for in-depth discussions on the sector's most pressing issues.

Key Highlights and Achievements

• Expanded Participation: The conference saw increased international attendance, underscoring its growing influence and the global relevance of its agenda.

• Introduction of the Masterclass Series: This new addition provided attendees with hands-on learning experiences, equipping them with expert insights and practical tools to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

• Launch of Pitch!: Designed to showcase innovative products and research, Pitch! facilitated the exchange of cutting-edge ideas aimed at enhancing regulatory practices and industry compliance.

Which issues and trends would you say dominated the conversation this year within RtG's framework?

Throughout the year, several critical themes emerged within the gaming industry and were extensively explored at RTG:

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance: In response to high-profile failures, and a demonstrable pivot from the financial crime watchdog towards wagering and gaming operators, there was a heightened focus on strengthening AML measures across the sector. Discussions centred on uplifting capability and shifting away from template ML/TF risk assessments to better identify and address operator risks and implement robust compliance frameworks tailored to the specific circumstances and scale of operations.

• Gambling Advertising and Public Sentiment: The proliferation of wagering and sports betting advertisements sparked public concern, leading to calls for stricter regulations and a parliamentary inquiry report You Win Some, You Lose More containing 31 recommendations, including a provocative call for a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising and establishment of a national regulator.

• Technological Innovations: The rise of digital payment solutions, including cashless gaming and cryptocurrency, prompted debates on their regulatory implications and potential to reshape the gambling landscape. Mandatory carded and cashless gaming systems are being adopted to combat money laundering and gambling harm, offering benefits like enhanced monitoring and consumer protection. However, critics argue these measures infringe on privacy and unfairly target recreational players. Balancing effective regulation with personal freedoms remains a challenge.

• Black Market. The persistence of offshore, unregulated gambling platforms, often enabled by cryptocurrency, poses new challenges for regulators. Despite Australia banning credit cards and cryptocurrency for online gambling, black-market operators remain appealing due to better products and odds, faster transactions, anonymity, and bonuses. Policymakers must balance restrictions to avoid driving consumers to these platforms, which lack safeguards and local economic benefits.

What can we expect from Regulating the Game's 2025 Sydney edition? How are preparations advancing ahead of the event?

Preparations for the 2025 Sydney edition of RTG are complete, with the event scheduled for March 10 to 13 at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. Building on past successes, the upcoming conference will deliver:

• Impressive line-up. Unrivalled collection of key industry and regulatory leaders speaking, with more to be announced, including many high-profile international speakers making the trip to spectacular #Sydney for the conference.

• Compelling program. Masterfully curated conference program to deliver expert content, provoke discussion, exchange of ideas and debate and wrestle with the most pressing sector and regulatory challenges.

• Masterclass returns. Delivering leading experts for intensive instructional sessions and key insights across anti-money laundering, safer gambling and disruptive technology.

• Launching exhibition. By exhibiting at Regulating the Game, you'll connect and engage with influential regulatory and industry leaders and stakeholders. This is your opportunity to build awareness, inspire change, enhance compliance, and contribute to step change and the future of efficient and effective regulation. Don’t miss out on this unmatched platform to amplify your reach and impact!

• Pitch! returns. The hugely successful Pitch! event featuring a brutal countdown timer to test the mettle of our quick-fire speakers will feature a striking mix of innovative products and technology as well as safer gambling held together by our guest MC and amazing hospitality and networking opportunities. We are also introducing the Pitch! Challenge with a panel of judges to award the outstanding pitch of the event!

• Unmatched networking opportunities. Sparking conversations, exchanging ideas and perspectives are the lifeblood of Regulating the Game and the networking events are a tremendous opportunity to meet speakers and attendees and build connections that support ongoing conversations and collaboration.

Exhibitor themes

• RegTech

• Product Compliance

• Risk Management

• Blockchain & Digital Assets

• Cyber Crime

• Safer Gambling and Gambling Harm

• Money Laundering & Financial Crime

• Compliance

• Investigative Practices

• Audit and Assurance

• Artificial Intelligence

• Sport Integrity

• Public Policy and Regulatory Practice

• Payment Providers

• Standards

• Surveillance

• Training & Development

Why should attendees not miss Regulating the Game?

The Regulating the Game conference is a flagship event that bridges the gap between regulators, industry professionals, and stakeholders. The conference is dedicated to introducing expert content, inspiring discussion and debate about policy and sector issues, and driving innovation to support efficient and effective gambling regulation. 

Now in its fifth edition, Regulating the Game continues to attract speakers and attendees from around the world, solidifying its status as a pivotal event for those shaping the future of the industry.

Registration for the 2025 conference is now open. Organisations wanting to send multiple staff can access discounted registration and early bird rates for individuals are available. For more details and to register, visit our website or contact us via email about Pitch!, sponsorship or exhibition opportunities.