Mr. John Stawyskyj
Partner & Global Gaming Practice Head, President of IAGA

John Stawyskyj is global head of Ashurst’s gaming practice and is a recognised leader in real estate, hotels and gaming law. John is experienced in all aspects of land based and internet gaming issues, commercial transactions involving the gaming industry, including acquisitions, disposals, joint venture arrangements, development projects, leasing, financing arrangements, regulatory issues and drafting of management and operating agreements for gaming operations. John has had extensive experience in advising on interactive and online gambling services, SMS betting competitions and other internet gaming activities. John is the current President of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA).

Ms. Lindy Randall
Partner

Lindy Randall is a partner in Ashurst’s Real Estate practice, specialising in hotels, leisure and gaming matters as well as real estate investment and development. Lindy’s has in-depth knowledge and expertise advising clients on liquor and gaming laws and regulations in Australia, gaming related contracts and arrangements and day to day operational and compliance issues. She has extensive experience in liaising with various liquor and gaming regulators. Lindy has acted for numerous players in significant gaming transactions and has also been seconded to work within each of Crown Resorts Limited and International Game Technology.

INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING LAWS & REGULATIONS REVIEW

Technology has radically transformed the global gaming industry, changing it from traditional brick-and-mortar establishments to predominantly digital platforms. This shift has been fuelled by the widespread availability of smart devices, round-the-clock online access and seamless global connectivity, ushering in a new era of convenience and accessibility for players while also posing regulatory challenges.

In Australia, gaming is largely prohibited but exempted under state and federal legislation licences for certain activities such as lotteries, sports betting, electronic gaming machines and land-based casinos. Online casino style gambling is however prohibited. The rise of online gambling has seen a wave of new consumer protection schemes being implemented in Australia. Recent regulatory developments include initiatives like BetStop and the National Consumer Protection Framework, which are aimed at curbing addictive behaviours and safeguarding consumers through measures like self-exclusion registers and restrictions on credit card use in online wagering.

Across Asia, despite strict bans on gambling in many countries, tech-savvy populations use virtual private networks (VPNs) to access offshore gambling sites, highlighting a regulatory loophole. Recently, China has experienced a shift in its regulatory approach, by issuing new video gaming licenses which promote online activity and inadvertently creating opportunities for operators to expand their reach into China. In Japan, the current focus is on attracting foreign investment to its gambling industry which collects entry fees but imposes visitation restrictions.

The United States has seen a significant surge in online gambling legalisation, leading to increased tax revenue and mitigated risks associated with unregulated offshore gambling platforms. The boom of sports betting over recent years has opened new opportunities for the US state governments. It has generated additional tax revenue for state governments, a revenue stream for casinos and horse tracks, and a way to keep Americans from the dangers of unregulated offshore gambling websites. The Tribal Indian Casino gambling sector is also expanding under the new rules proposed by the US federal government to help regulate the lucrative and growing online gambling industry. Similarly, there has also been an increase in the emphasis on consumer protection and data privacy with regulations like the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA),which has made it harder for online gambling sites to collect payments. This is expected to fuel the use of digital currencies (and cryptocurrencies) as a settlement method in casinos.

Most countries within Europe have a comprehensive regulatory framework governing licensing, taxation, and responsible gambling across its member states. Recent trends include greater transparency in the tender processes, stricter criteria for obtaining licenses, and tighter advertising regulations aimed in achieving a safe and fair gambling environment. Countries like Italy and Georgia have implemented new regulatory regimes to oversee online gambling activities, requiring affiliations with land-based entities and enforcing advertising standards.

A common thread across the globe is the adoption of enhanced consumer protection measures, stringent advertising regulations, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in gambling operations. Cryptocurrency adoption provides a new commercial frontier but brings with it various regulatory challenges. The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the gambling sector is still evolving, presenting challenges and opportunities for stakeholders.

The gambling industry, like many, is seeking to respond to ever evolving technological advancements which means governments continue to respond, which results in a continuously shifting regulatory landscape with a growing focus on consumer protection. The use of cryptocurrencies, AI, and other innovative technologies presents opportunities and challenges in regulation and implementation. The industry’s future is likely to witness further innovation and adaptation and those who understand the regulatory landscape and protection concerns will be best place to take advantage of the opportunities, which still providing a safe and enjoyable experience for players.