"Regulating the Game 2025 Sydney is THE event for anyone serious about shaping the future of gambling regulation"

With the latest edition of Regulating the Game fast approaching, to take place from March 10 to 13 at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour in Sydney (Australia), Yogonet caught up with Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch, to learn more about this year's conference highlights and why RtG is "THE event for anyone serious about shaping the future of gambling regulation, compliance, and industry transformation."

What are some of the major topics that will be discussed at this year's Regulating the Game 2025 Sydney? What issues are driving the regulation and compliance sector?

Regulating the Game 2025 Sydney will provide a comprehensive deep dive into the evolving landscape of gambling regulation, focusing on public policy, compliance, and industry transformation. A snapshot of major topics includes:

• Regulatory Leadership & Policy Innovation: Addressing how regulatory frameworks can evolve to balance strict oversight, sector innovation, and player protection.

• AML/CTF & Financial Crime Prevention: With AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas as a featured speaker, key discussions will explore how financial crime risks are evolving, upcoming AML reforms, and best practices for mitigating risks.

• Advertising, Marketing & Public Sentiment: Examining the implications of advertising restrictions, responsible marketing, and shifts in consumer perception towards sports betting.

• Cybersecurity, AI & Emerging Risks: Jamieson O’Reilly’s session will uncover critical security threats in online wagering platforms and strategies to mitigate cyber risks.

• The Expanding Role of RegTech & AI in Compliance: Exploring how artificial intelligence and automation can enhance risk management, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, and player protection strategies.

• Black Market & Offshore Gambling Challenges: Tackling the rise of unregulated gambling operators, cryptocurrency betting, and the need for stronger consumer protections.

• Innovative Approaches to Responsible Gambling: Featuring cutting-edge research from Tracy Schrans, focusing on real-time player behavior tracking and intervention strategies.

With industry-wide scrutiny increasing, this year’s discussions will help attendees stay ahead of regulatory changes, enhance compliance strategies, and foster sustainable industry growth.

What should attendees expect from this year's RtG? How will it compare to previous editions and what's new this time?

RtG 2025 will be a bigger, bolder, and more interactive experience, setting new benchmarks for engagement, education, and industry leadership:

• First-Ever Call for Speakers: For the first time, RtG is welcoming speaker submissions, ensuring an even more diverse and thought-provoking program featuring global industry leaders, regulators, and subject-matter experts.

• Expanded Deep-Dive Panel Discussions: Unlike previous editions, 2025 will emphasize longer, more immersive panel discussions, allowing for a broader range of perspectives and deeper engagement with key policy and compliance issues.

• Inaugural RtG Exhibition Showcase: A dedicated exhibition space will highlight innovations from RegTech, AML compliance, safer gambling technology, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging gaming solutions. First exhibitors include SCANTEK, Inside Asian Gaming, Vanguard Overwatch, CYBLE, and Gaming Associates.

• Masterclass Series Expansion: Featuring industry experts covering AML risk assessments (KordaMentha), safer gambling culture (Jay Robinson), and disruptive technology (Ian Hughes).

• The Launch of Pitch! Challenge: The high-energy, quick-fire Pitch! session will now feature a competition element, where innovators battle it out for the inaugural Pitch! Challenge title.

• Unparalleled Networking & Collaboration Opportunities: Exceptional networking events, to meet, connect and extend conversations while building relationships..

This year’s event will ensure attendees gain actionable insights, expand their professional networks, and engage with the most influential voices in the industry.

Can you share with us some of the can't-miss panels and masterclasses of this year's RtG? What can attendees learn from the lineup of leaders and speakers?

RtG 2025 will feature a high-profile lineup of speakers, masterclasses, and panels designed to tackle today’s most pressing regulatory and industry issues.

🔹 Some key sessions:

• Wagering, Regulation & Industry Trust – Sportsbet CEO Barni Evans will offer insights into industry direction, regulatory challenges, and industry sustainability.

• Financial Crime & AML/CTF Risk Management – With AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas, this session will provide insights into AUSTRAC’s regulatory posture and expectations, industry risks, and what’s over the horizon.

• Regulatory leadership – Dr. Ron Ben-David (VGCCC). With sky-high expectations and rock-bottom public confidence, his session will offer an unfiltered look at the challenges, aspirations, and frustrations of rebuilding trust, enforcing accountability, and navigating the complexities of modern gambling regulation. What keeps him awake at night?

• Technology, AI & Compliance Innovations – Donata Szabo (Sportradar) will discuss how regulators and operators can leverage AI and RegTech for better compliance outcomes.

🔹 Must-Attend Masterclasses:

• AML/CTF Risk Assessment Strategies (KordaMentha) – Designed to build understanding and uplift and refine risk assessment methodologies and position for evolving regulatory requirements.

• Beyond Compliance: Building a Safer Gambling Culture (Jay Robinson) – A masterclass focusing on integrating safer gambling principles into operational strategies.

• Emerging Gaming Technologies & Research-Driven Regulation (Tracy Schrans) – Providing groundbreaking insights into player behavior analytics and intervention strategies.

These sessions ensure attendees leave RtG 2025 with actionable strategies, enhanced knowledge, and new perspectives on regulatory and industry best practices.

In addition to featuring insights into the field of regulation, RtG is also an ideal space for networking. Can you tell us a bit more about this and the new opportunities the event opens for forging new industry collaborations?

RtG 2025 isn’t just about learning—it’s about connecting with industry leaders, regulators, and innovators in a high-impact networking environment. This year offers more networking opportunities than ever before, including:

• The RtG Exhibition Showcase: Exhibitors such as SCANTEK, Inside Asian Gaming, Vanguard Overwatch, CYBLE, and Gaming Associates will showcase regulatory and compliance advisory services, cutting-edge compliance technologies, AML solutions and safer gambling tools.

• Kickstart your Regulating the Game 2025 experience at Dean & Nancy on 22, an elegant cocktail lounge perched high above Sydney’s skyline. With gold-veined marble, intimate tables, and a touch of mid-century decadence, this is the perfect setting to unwind, connect, and build relationships before the conference begins. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails, indulge in bold flavours, and take in the stunning sunset as Sydney comes alive beneath you.

• Pitch! – Big Ideas, Bold Innovations, and High-Impact Connections
  Pitch! is where innovation meets opportunity. This quickfire session spotlights the latest regulatory technology, compliance solutions, and research-driven advancements that have the potential to transform the gambling sector. From enhancing AML capabilities to safer gambling innovations and cutting-edge digital solutions, this is the stage for fresh ideas that can shape the future.

• The Pitch! Challenge: A fast-paced competition where sector innovators present their game-changing solutions in bit-sized 10-minute slots in RegTech, cybersecurity, research and policy and responsible gambling as Terrible Timmy the ruthless countdown clock looms large amidst the Judges frenzied scribbles. 

• The RtG 2025 Gala Dinner at Alpha promises an evening of sophistication, marvelous dining, and engaging conversations. Nestled within Alpha on Level 2 The Grand, this renowned Greek restaurant blends modern elegance with Mediterranean charm—featuring whitewashed walls, oak floors, and soft Grecian curves. Guests will enjoy an exquisite menu that showcases fresh flavors, an ambiance of refined hospitality, and a special performance by Yena Choi.

These networking opportunities foster strategic partnerships, drive collaborative projects, and create new opportunities for business and regulatory innovation.

To conclude the interview, can you tell us, in a few words, why our readers shouldn't miss RtG? Are there any other highlights beyond the ones discussed that you would like to add?

Regulating the Game 2025 Sydney is THE event for anyone serious about shaping the future of gambling regulation, compliance, and industry transformation.

This landmark conference offers unrivalled insights from global regulators, compliance experts, and industry pioneers and thought leaders.

• A brand-new Exhibition Showcase, featuring SCANTEK, Inside Asian Gaming, Vanguard Overwatch, CYBLE, and Gaming Associates.

• The all-new Pitch! Challenge, bringing together the most innovative minds in gambling technology and compliance.

• Expanded Masterclasses, covering everything from AML/CTF risk assessments to safer gambling culture and disruptive technology.

• Unmatched networking opportunities, allowing attendees to build lasting professional relationships and drive sector-wide change.

With regulatory landscapes evolving rapidly, this is the moment to engage, learn, and lead.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation that will shape the future of the industry!

🔗 Register now: regulatingthegame.com