Australian advisory creates global RG and AML accreditation
Known as Senet Assure and Senet Assure Premium, the accreditations aim to protect gaming organisations and venues, their customers and communities, the advisory said.
As well as safeguarding corporate reputation and minimising the risks of gambling harm and financial crime, achieving accreditation would demonstrate an organisation’s commitment to responsible gambling culture, said Paul Newson, regulatory and gambling specialist at Senet.
Newson said the certification would only be awarded to operators who could demonstrate the highest level of vigilance.
“Our team has developed this accreditation based on our deep knowledge of the complexities and challenges in 2021 facing gambling operators committed to responsible gambling outcomes and staying a step ahead of criminal activity,” he added.
“The accreditation is a way for industry leaders to demonstrate they are meeting the highest standards of accountability and exceeding best practice in protecting their customers and their staff in cultivating a workplace culture of compliance and social responsibility.”
The announcement follows a warning put out this month by the New South Wales Crime Commission, that the Australian economy could become a greater target for financial crime following its successful management of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The commission also expressed concerns that poker machines would be exploited as a money laundering option for criminals.
The government of New South Wales launched a consultation on a series of proposed changes to regulations on gaming machines in September last year, including that clubs and hotels would be required to actively identify and assist players displaying problem gambling behaviour, rather than taking action only following a specific request for help.
A study published earlier this month by the New South Wales Office of Responsible Gambling showed that almost a third of 12-17 year-olds interviewed had participated in real-money gambling in the past 12 months.
To increase young people’s awareness of the risks of gambling, the Office said it was developing resources for teachers and partnering with sporting teams via the Reclaim the Game initiative, to help educate people around sports betting promotion.