08:55am - 9:05am

Welcome and opening remarks

09:05am - 9:15am

Keynote

Finish Lines & Front Pages: 12 Months in Racing & Wagering

The Straight, racing and wagering’s most respected independent publication, delivers a fast-paced recap of the industry’s biggest headlines from the last year. From regulation and reform to scandals, innovations and surprise moves - this entertaining session will set the pace for the two days ahead and remind us of the major stories that have shaped the sector since we last met.

Speaker: Bren O’Brien - Founder & Editor, The Straight

09:15am - 9:45am

Keynote

Financial Form Guide FY24-25

Don returns to set the scene with a timely market overview, recapping key developments across the wagering and racing landscape since the 2024 conference. This session will explore Australia’s current socio-economic trends, emerging financial signals, and bold predictions for the year ahead.

Speaker: Don Carducci - JP Morgan

9.45am - 10.30 am

Panel

Wagering in Australia: Trends, Reforms and the Revenue Roadmap

Leaders from the racing and wagering industries unpack the key trends shaping Australian wagering, including product innovation, revenue-generation strategies, and the impact of recent and upcoming regulatory reforms. Gain insight into the future-facing models driving profitability and long-term sustainability across the sector.

Moderator:

Jason Scott - CEO, Racing Queensland

Glenn Lee - CCO, Harness Racing Victoria

11.00am - 11.45am

Keynote

Digital First - Understanding Modern Fandom

With a career spanning global sporting powerhouses including the All Blacks and FC Barcelona, Leanne brings a unique perspective on how fandom is evolving across generations. In this keynote, she unpacks the four key types of modern fandom and explores how Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Boomers are engaging with sport in new and increasingly digital ways.

Speaker: Leanne Bats - Head of Innovation & Digital, Sport Waikato

11.45am - 12.30pm

Panel

Next-Gen Fans: AI, Apps & the Evolution of Engagement

The next generation of sports and wagering fans doesn’t just watch — they interact, create, predict, and play. This panel brings together innovators who are reshaping how audiences connect with sport, from fantasy platforms and AI-powered social media to immersive digital experiences.

Hear from the movers and shakers using tech to challenge the status quo, including leaders in fantasy sports, an AI-driven content creator, and a now-retired gaming influencer who built an audience of over 8 million on YouTube. This is your front-row seat to the future of fandom.

Moderator:

Chris Smith, Big R Social

Ben Willis - Managing Director, MyRacehorse

1.30pm - 2.15pm

Panel

C-Suites Showcase

2.15pm - 3.00pm

Racing Showcase

3.30pm - 4.15pm

Keynote

Behind the Firewall: Uncovering Australia’s Shadow Betting Market

Award-winning investigative journalist and documentary maker Jack Kerr exposes how illegal offshore gambling operators are infiltrating the Australian market by using the internet and VPNs to advertise directly to Australian customers, bypassing national regulations. He also reveals how these operators are harvesting data from grassroots and amateur sports to fuel unregulated betting markets overseas.

Speaker: Jack Kerr - Investigative Reporter and Journalist

4.15pm - 5.00pm

Panel

Inside the Regulatory Agenda: Reform, Integrity and Enforcement

Join senior leaders from key regulatory bodies for a wide-ranging discussion on the current and future state of gambling regulation in Australia. This session will explore key issues including the implementation of BetStop, proposed restrictions on gambling advertising, sports integrity risks, enforcement against illegal offshore operators, and emerging challenges in licensing and compliance.

Suzy Neilan - CEO, VGCCC

Carolyn Lidgerwood - Authority Member and Gambling Lead ACMA