Updated harm minimisation measures for interactive wagering and betting service providers

The additional measures, introduced in the updated Ministerial Direction (PDF, 463.54 KB), apply in addition to existing requirements in the previous direction that relate to inducements, direct marketing, account deposit limits and the closing of betting accounts.

The additional harm minimisation requirements are outlined below.

Who does it apply to?

The requirements in both directions now apply to all:

• interstate wagering service providers offering interactive wagering and betting services to Victorians
• wagering service providers licensed in Victoria who provide interactive wagering and betting services to any person, including interstate customers.

Activity statements and betting account records

From 31 July 2022, wagering service providers must:

• provide customers with monthly activity statements, by email or post. The previous month’s statement must also be available by request or through their online betting account.
• enable customers to access a record of their betting account transactions. These records must always be available immediately via the customer’s online betting account or be emailed or posted within 14 days of the customer’s request.

Wagering service providers that can’t comply with the above requirements by this date, can request an extension until 14 November 2022 to comply. Any request should be made by 31 July 2022. However, they must meet one of the circumstances outlined in the Ministerial Direction. For example, they have faced significant and unforeseen disruption to their business due to COVID-19, or they have been granted an extension in another Australian jurisdiction.

To request an extension, wagering service providers must email [email protected] with the following details:

• the subject ‘Request for extension under clause 18.13 – NCPF’
• any applicable circumstance(s) (see clause 8.13 of the Minister Direction)
• other reasons and/or supporting evidence for the extension.

Where a wagering service provider is granted an extension (in Victoria or another jurisdiction) until 14 November 2022 to comply the Commission expects:

• Wagering service providers are strongly encouraged to implement the provision of activity statements prior to 14 November 2022
• From 14 November 2022, activity statements that are provided will include wagering activity from 1 July 2022
• A wagering service provider must provide written confirmation to the Commission by or before 14 November 2022 that it is complying with the requirement to provide activity statements for the period from 1 July 2022
• Wagering service providers are strongly encouraged to take proactive steps to publicise and make more readily available current customer activity statement services for players, for example by placing a banner on their website and sending direct SMS messages to customers.

Training

From 31 March 2023, wagering service providers must ensure all relevant persons (including employees, contractors and directors who are involved in providing betting services or in decisions that affect the betting services provided) complete the responsible service of wagering training courses. Specifically:

• Existing relevant persons as at 28 February 2023 must complete initial training by 31 March 2023.
• New persons must complete the initial training no later than one month after commencing employment
• Everyone must complete an annual refresher training within 12 months of completing the initial training and every year thereafter.

Records of staff training must be kept for at least 7 years and the VGCCC may request a copy.

The Ministerial Direction includes further information on how the training may be delivered and other record keeping requirements that apply to wagering service providers.

Direct marketing when creating new betting accounts

From 30 June 2023, wagering service providers must ensure new customers can create a betting account without being required to:

• consent to direct marketing, or
• take additional steps to opt out of receiving direct marketing.

Read more on our website or download (PDF, 463.54 KB) the Ministerial Direction.