The Future of Wagering: Balancing Compliance, Innovation, and Integrity
Author: Andrew Vouris, CEO, Entain ANZ
Over the past decade, community expectations of the wagering industry have shifted dramatically. What was once seen purely as entertainment is now under sharper scrutiny from regulators, governments, media, and the public. The message is clear: our social license depends on placing compliance and safer gambling at the center of everything we do. Anything less threatens the long-term sustainability of our industry.
At the same time, the environment in which we operate is evolving fast. The Federal Government’s advertising reforms are reshaping how operators engage with customers. Tax settings are also tightening, adding further pressure to ensure the regulated market remains attractive and competitive. These challenges don’t close the door on innovation - if anything, they raise the bar. The operators who succeed will be those who deliver safe, engaging, world-class products while demonstrating integrity and responsibility.
One of the greatest risks to that balance is the rise of offshore, illegal operators, including online casinos. They contribute nothing to Australian racing, sport, or local communities, yet aggressively target Australian punters – often on social media. It’s an uneven playing field that requires not just industry cooperation, but collaboration with regulators and policymakers. Prohibition doesn’t work. The best defense against the black market is a strong, well-regulated industry that provides safe products and returns value to the community.
The next chapter of wagering will be defined by how well we balance compliance, innovation, and integrity. For me, it comes back to a simple principle: win, but not at all costs. That is how we ensure wagering remains not only profitable, but sustainable—for punters, for racing and sport, and for the communities we serve.
