Wagering account holders to be better informed under clearer, fairer player activity statements

These changes come after the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) analysed sample activity statements across a number of providers and found inconsistencies in how information was presented.  

Account holders will more clearly see how much of their own money they have lost, with free and bonus bets excluded from net loss figures on their monthly statement. 

Net wins will also be more accurate, with stakes (the money spent in placing the bet) being deducted from pay out amounts. 

Wagering providers will need to use plain English, avoid unnecessary jargon, and limit the use of colours to black and red (to show losses). The same gambling harm taglines that appear at the end of wagering gambling advertisements must also be displayed on each statement. 

Following an extensive implementation period, from 1 April 2024 all wagering providers operating in Victoria are required to comply with the new standards. Non-compliance could attract a penalty of 60 penalty units, which is equivalent to $11,538.60 for each non-compliant activity statement issued. 

These requirements will strengthen how wagering service providers comply with the National Consumer Protection Framework and the Victorian Harm Minimisation Ministerial Directions (PDF, 463.54 KB). 

VGCCC CEO Annette Kimmitt AM said: “The days of inconsistent player activity statements are over. Wagering account holders will be better informed about their spending – and therefore better equipped to make informed decisions about their gambling – thanks to the clarity and fairness these changes bring."

Background

Example of monthly activity statement

As demonstrated in the above transaction example, a player deposits $300 into their account. They lose $290 of that placing bets (the stake). In the course of their gambling, they win $40 (with the net win being $30 after the $10 they spent to place the bet is factored in). Their net loss is -$250. This is calculated as: 

-$290 (what they lost on bets) + $30 (what they won minus the bet/stake placed to enter) + the remaining $10 left on their account balance = -$250 

Timeline 

• NCPF Activity statement requirements commenced in November 2022.

• VGCCC undertook a review of monthly activity statements being produced by 12 wagering service providers.

• VGCCC issued an Activity Statement Expectations Guide (PDF, 645.26 KB) with an updated statement prototype on 18 August 2023 and requested feedback. 

• The VGCCC reviewed feedback and worked with providers to provide further clarifications.

• Compliance with VGCCC expectations was originally required by 1 December 2023; however, the VGCCC granted extensions to 31 March 2024 to Tabcorp, Entain and BetFair to enable sufficient time for system changes.