The gambling industry is going through a difficult but significant period. In Australia, regulators are tightening control: licences are being suspended, illegal operators are receiving official warnings, and the level of problem gambling among young men is growing amid the rapid growth of the online sector. The Star Sydney will remain under external administration until 2026, which is not just a delay but a sign of a protracted crisis of confidence between business and the state.
At the same time, New Zealand is moving towards the legalisation of online pokies. Operators and media brands are actively entering the market, strengthening their positions and modernising their infrastructure in preparation for a new phase of regulation. Competition is intensifying not only for customers but also for names: the case between Stake and Stake.com shows how acute the issue of identity and rights to presence in different jurisdictions is now.
Only time will tell how this will turn out. In the meantime, you can find out more about each case in our news summary.
Bet Right Fined in Australia for Ignoring Customer and Violating Code
The bookmaker Bet Right was fined 13,430 Australian dollars for failing to comply with the responsible gaming code. The decision was made by the Northern Territory Racing Commission (NTRWC) following a complaint filed back in 2022. The incident shows that regulatory control in Australia is becoming increasingly strict, especially against the backdrop of investigations into the online gambling industry.
What happened:
- Bet Right did not respond to a customer who expressed concern about his own bets. The bookmaker promised to contact him but never called back.
- The customer claimed that he did not receive an important letter from the company because it ended up in his spam folder.
- The commission considered this behaviour a violation of the code, although it rejected the customer’s claim for compensation, recognising the bets as legitimate.
- The regulator called the operator’s lack of response a cause for “serious concern”.
Why This is Important
The decision was made at a time when the Northern Territory Racing Commission is under particularly close scrutiny. This is due to an investigation conducted by ABC television’s Four Corners programme, which raised questions about possible bias on the part of regulators, delays in processing complaints, and close ties between officials and betting operators.
In 2024, the structure of the NTRWC was overhauled. It is no longer the same Racing Commission, but a revamped body with greater formal powers. However, discussions about the transparency of its work and potential conflicts of interest have not gone away.
A representative of the Northern Territory Department of Tourism and Hospitality said that the department is addressing issues of internal ethics within the Commission, including cases of its members receiving gifts and other benefits.
In a nutshell:
- The operator Bet Right ignored a customer and was fined for it;
- The customer was denied compensation;
- The regulator came under pressure due to public interest and criticism;
- The revamped Commission is trying to restore order, but it still lacks credibility.
Lotto New Zealand Has Completely Revamped Its System. What Has Changed and Why is It Necessary?
The New Zealand state lottery operator has completed a major technical upgrade: Scientific Games is now fully responsible for Lotto NZ’s digital and retail infrastructure. The two companies have been working together since 1989, but this is the most significant upgrade in the history of their partnership.
What exactly has been updated:
- Scientific Games has implemented a complete suite of its solutions (from the digital platform to point-of-sale equipment);
- All 1,100 of Lotto NZ’s retail partners now operate through the new system;
- The Momentum platform is used, which combines account management, trading operations and customer interaction;
- Gaming content from SG Studios, Scientific Games’ in-house studio, has also been implemented.
Simply put, Lotto NZ is now run on new technology, from websites and apps to in-store terminals. The idea is to simplify the process, speed up operations, and make games more understandable and convenient for both players and retailers.
What the participants say:
- Jason Delamare, CEO of Lotto NZ, emphasised that the update provides “a solid foundation for the future” and should improve the experience for both players and beneficiaries — organisations that receive support from lottery proceeds.
- Patrick McHugh, CEO of Scientific Games, noted that the project has become “global,” involving specialists from different countries, and will serve as a model for similar implementations around the world.
Why This May Be More Important Than It Seems
The news coincides with the beginning of changes in the country’s gambling policy. New Zealand is moving towards legalising online casinos, and according to the plan, the relevant regulations should be in place by 2026. In the context of such a transformation, updating the infrastructure is not just a matter of convenience, but a question of readiness for the new rules of the game.
But the road ahead will not be easy. Although the idea of opening up the market is supported by left-wing political forces, the country’s 33 largest sports organisations have spoken out against it. They are concerned that the transition to new forms of online gambling could reduce funding from slot machine revenues.
For Reference
Scientific Games recently completed a similar upgrade for British operator Allwyn UK. In essence, the company is now synchronising several large lottery systems at once — so that they can operate according to modern standards, including future regulations on digital gambling.
CasinoRIX Enters the New Zealand Market Through the Purchase of Local Media
CasinoRIX has acquired the New Zealand website Innovate Change, which specialises in online casino reviews. This move is not just a geographical expansion, but a well-thought-out entry into a market that is expected to undergo a major transformation in the coming years.
What happened:
- Innovate Change will continue to operate under new ownership, retaining its editorial and operational team;
- The site’s content will be integrated into the CasinoRIX ecosystem, with a focus on local reviews, bonuses, and responsible gaming materials.
- For CasinoRIX, this is its first entry into the New Zealand market, but clearly not its last.
Why Now
New Zealand is preparing legislative changes in the field of online gambling. Licensing is expected to be launched by 2026, and preliminary estimates suggest that up to 15 licences will be issued to operators.
The acquisition of Innovate Change is a way to stake a claim in advance, establish connections with the audience, and gain an inside view of the market without waiting for the official start of regulation.
What Kind of Website is CasinoRIX and Why is It Needed?
Innovate Change is not an AUS pokies operator, but a media outlet. It publishes casino reviews, compares bonus offers, helps readers understand the intricacies of betting, and often talks to readers about the risks. In essence, it is a local navigator in the world of online gambling.
For CasinoRIX, an international player, such a partner provides not just an entry point, but a ready-made platform with a loyal audience and an understanding of the local context. This is not a launch from scratch, but the development of an already functioning mechanism.
What’s Next
CasinoRIX makes no secret of its ambitions. The company plans to:
- Study the local licensing model and regulatory approaches;
- Develop content and tools for responsible gaming;
- Launch educational initiatives for users;
- Implement new operator comparison mechanics adapted to the future realities of the New Zealand market.
In essence, this is an investment in the future — with the expectation that when the market opens, CasinoRIX will already be a recognisable and respected player.
Young Men and Online Gambling: New Study Reveals Alarming Trends in Australia
Recent data from the Australian National University (ANU) shows that the harm caused by gambling in the country has reached its highest level in six years. Online gambling, which now accounts for more than half of all gambling activity, plays a key role in this.
What has been found:
- Almost one in five adults (19.4%) in 2024 admitted to risky behaviour related to gambling.
- The main risk group is men aged 25–34 with high incomes, stable jobs and professional education;
- The largest growth was recorded in sports betting and online casinos. This is particularly noticeable in the segment of illegal slots and table games;
- Lotteries remain the most popular form of gambling, with 41.3% of the country’s adult population participating.
Why This is Cause for Concern
Although the overall number of gamblers has decreased compared to 15 years ago, the structure and nature of gambling behaviour has changed. According to ANU researcher Aino Suomi, the problem is not the number of gamblers, but the degree of involvement: gambling has become a regular part of everyday life, especially for those who gamble online. This makes it less noticeable and more difficult to control.
She emphasises: “Gambling has moved into people’s homes.” This brings with it new forms of stress, psychological pressure and hidden consequences.
Not Just a Personal Choice, But a Family Problem
For the first time, researchers have documented that the risks of gambling extend beyond the personal experience of the players. Families, especially those with children, are increasingly suffering. The impact is not only financial loss, but also emotional instability, relationship tension and overall well-being.
What to Do About It. Spoiler: It’s Not Clear Yet
Despite the active development of legal online platforms with AUS pokies and tighter regulation, measures to protect players are clearly lagging behind. This is evident from both the data and the tone of the study. The problem is growing faster than the system can respond.
If the trend continues, authorities may be forced to review their approach to licensing, advertising and monitoring operators — especially in the digital environment, where control is much more difficult.
ACMA Cracks Down on Illegal Operators: Four Websites Receive Warnings for Violating the Law
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued formal warnings to four operators who, according to the regulator, have violated local law by providing online gambling services without a licence.
Who are we talking about?
- Spinit (operator — Stellar Ltd);
- Lucky Ones7 (Just Entertainment BV);
- The Pokies (Digibrite SRL);
- Slot Lounge (Hollycorn NV).
According to ACMA, all four brands were operating in the Australian market without the necessary licences. Such actions violate the Interactive Gambling Act and deprive players of basic protections, from responsible gaming to payment security.
Forecasts for the Near Future
If companies ignore the warnings, the next steps could be tougher measures: from coordination with internet providers to blocking access to websites in Australia.
There are already precedents. In August, ACMA issued a similar warning to Stellar Ltd for the same website — Spinit. Repeated violations tend to increase pressure from the regulator.
Why It Matters
Since 2017, ACMA has been targeting illegal online casinos, especially those that target Australian users but operate offshore. The warnings are part of a broader strategy that includes:
- Continuous monitoring;
- Working with telecommunications providers and payment systems;
- Publishing reports on risks and trends, including misinformation in the online pokies sector.
ACMA emphasises that regulation is not a formality. Legal operators are audited, comply with responsible gaming rules and have obligations to players. Unlicensed operators offer no guarantees and no accountability.
Star Entertainment is Looking for New Money — Again in Debt. What is Happening with the Operator’s Finances
Online pokies casino operator Star Entertainment is negotiating a new A$430 million loan, according to the Australian Financial Review. There are two potential lenders: one is an international investor, and the other is a local group linked to the Matheson family, Star’s largest shareholders.
What’s the deal?
- The company already owes the same amount (A$430 million) to its current lenders, including Macquarie and Deutsche Bank.
- These banks recently agreed to defer repayment for six months, until February next year;
- Now Star wants to raise fresh money, possibly to refinance or restructure its debt on more favourable terms;
- The Matheson family is believed to be one of the participants in the negotiations — they were already involved in the previous rescue of Star together with Bally’s Corporation.
What’s Wrong with Star’s Finances
At the end of the 2025 financial year, the company’s revenue fell by almost a third — down 29.2%. However, losses were sharply reduced: while last year Star reported multi-billion dollar losses, now it is “only” 426.3 million Australian dollars in debt, with assets worth 341.4 million. This is less than before, but it is too early to talk about financial health.
The improvements are partly due to a $300 million investment from Bally’s, which served as a kind of financial cushion and helped stabilise the balance sheet. The new loan could be the next step in the same direction — not for growth, but simply to stay afloat.
What else is happening around Star:
- Last month, Star sold its 50% stake in the Destination Brisbane Consortium project as part of its capital release strategy.
- In Sydney, the Star casino is still operating, but its licence has been suspended and the property is under external management until at least the second quarter of 2026. This decision was made by the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission.
What Does This All Mean?
For now, Star is more focused on putting out fires than making plans. Asset sales, loans, restructuring — these are signs of a company in survival mode. If negotiations for a new loan are successful, it will provide temporary relief. But the key question remains: can Star return to sustainable business — and if so, at what cost?
Stake vs Stake.com: A Tangled Brand Conflict in Australia Nears its Conclusion
Two businesses with identical names, different markets and ambitions, all within the framework of a single lawsuit that could drag on until the end of 2026. A high-profile dispute continues in Australia between Stake, a Sydney-based brokerage service, and Stake.com, an international online pokies operator.
Here’s a quick summary of the case:
- It all started in August 2023, when Stake sued Stake.com, accusing it of copyright infringement and attempting to create confusion in the market.
- The broker’s main argument is that the identical name and similar visual style could mislead customers, especially given that both companies operate in the financial sector.
- Additional claims relate to Stake.com applying to register trademarks such as “Stake Australia” and allegedly attempting to buy the domain from the plaintiff.
Why This Matters
At first glance, it seems that the companies operate in different spheres: one is involved in investment, the other in gambling. But from the consumer’s point of view, the difference may not be obvious, especially if the Stake.com brand attempts to enter the Australian market officially. In such situations, as practice shows, the winner is the one who was first.
There is already a precedent: in Australia, the Burger King brand was unable to use its name because it had already been registered by a local business. As a result, the company entered the market under a new name — Hungry Jack’s.
How events are unfolding:
- In September 2025, Stake representatives took action: an official request for a court summons was filed, followed by a series of new affidavits.
- Stake then sent another summons demanding the provision of documents.
- The next hearings are scheduled for 30 September and 1 October, still in the form of preliminary and technical proceedings.
- The main hearing is scheduled for 30 November 2026, with a continuation in December.
What Will Happen If Stake Wins
Stake.com will most likely have to abandon its current name in Australia. This could affect not only the brand, but also its strategy for entering a market where gambling regulations are already strict.
This is not the first challenge for Stake.com: this year, the operator has already had to leave the British market and face restrictions and pressure in a number of US states, including California. Litigation seems to be becoming part of the company’s daily business.
Star Sydney Casino to Remain Under External Administration Until at Least March 2026
New South Wales authorities have decided not to rush the return of Star Sydney Casino’s licence. The temporary administrator remains in place, and the licence itself remains suspended with no exact date for its reinstatement.
What happened:
- The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has extended Star Sydney’s restricted access status;
- Nicholas Weeks, the state-appointed administrator, will remain in his position until at least 31 March 2026;
- The casino continues to operate but under constant supervision and with restrictions as part of a so-called “transitional regime”.
Why This Happened
The regulator did not receive sufficient evidence that Star Entertainment Group had already put its affairs in order after serious violations that came to light back in 2022. At that time, the company was found to be non-compliant with licensing requirements, which was the basis for suspending its licence indefinitely.
Since then, Star Sydney has been operating in “remedial mode”: with external oversight, regular reporting and promises of reform.
What the Company Itself Says
CEO Steve McCann acknowledged that the process is far from complete:
“There is a lot of work ahead, but we are fully focused on restoring trust and fulfilling all the conditions of the Remediation Plan.”
Context and why this decision is expected
Star is currently going through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Over the past year:
- Revenue fell by 29.2% to A$1.19 billion;
- The group is selling assets, closing some joint ventures and reviewing its ownership structure;
- Bally’s Corporation provided financial support, which helped reduce losses;
- Negotiations are underway with creditors to ease debt terms.
In addition, JPMorgan Chase recently reduced its stake in Star Entertainment below the mandatory disclosure level. This may indicate a decline in investor confidence or a routine reassessment of risks.
What’s Next
The NICC will continue to monitor the casino’s operations. Additional reports are expected in the coming months, and only if the regulator is convinced that Star has truly changed its approach to management and compliance will it be possible to discuss the return of the licence.
But for now, there is no talk of any deadlines. Star remains under close scrutiny and will only be able to escape supervision once the authorities are fully confident that it has corrected its behaviour.
