BetNation, BetDeluxe Owner, Amused Group Offer $25,000 For Gambler To Withdraw Complaint
Gordon Burns, a 23-year-old resident of Melbourne, recently made headlines when he refused an offer of AU$25,000 to withdraw his complaint against BetNation and BetDeluxe. This decision highlights ongoing concerns surrounding responsible gambling practices within the Australian online betting landscape.
As part of the settlement offer, Burns was instructed to withdraw his complaint by the end of the day, agree to refrain from making any future complaints, and maintain silence regarding the incident. However, Burns stood his ground, stating, “The $25,000 might help me, but it is not going to help the next person that has suffered.”
### Companies’ Duty to Prevent Problem Gambling
Burns lodged his complaint with the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC), the regulatory body overseeing online gambling in Australia. His accusations against BetNation and BetDeluxe, now under the Amused Group, allege a failure in safeguarding him from problem gambling behaviors, evident through substantial deposits he made in rapid succession.
In just one day last year, Burns made a staggering series of deposits totaling AU$190,000 (approximately AU$122,000) within mere minutes. Such alarming financial activity should have triggered a proactive response from the operators, yet both companies failed to intervene and limit his betting account. This lapse directly contravenes the NTRWC’s guidelines, which mandate that operators must “identify and respond to red flag behaviours” indicative of problem gambling, such as sudden increases in deposit amounts and frequency.
### The Offer That Fell Flat
Following his complaint to the NTRWC in March 2024, Burns received a timely WhatsApp message from an Amused Group representative asking for a quick call to discuss a potential settlement regarding his account. During the call, the company proposed the AU$25,000 offer on the condition that he withdraw his complaint and agree to confidentiality, restricting any further discussions with regulators or the media about his experience.
Burns declined the deal and opted to share his story with various media outlets, including The Guardian. An Amused Group spokesperson defended their position, stating, “Confidentiality provisions are standard in many industries to provide finality and protect the privacy of all parties involved in a dispute.” They further asserted that such measures are not designed to suppress voices or evade regulatory scrutiny but to ensure the efficient resolution of intricate matters.
### Regulatory Oversight in Gambling
The NTRWC underscored that withdrawing a complaint, as urged by Amused Group, would not eliminate the possibility of an investigation. A spokesperson elaborated: “When the commission receives advice that a complaint is withdrawn due to a confidential settlement, we assess whether the complaint warrants further investigation and potential disciplinary action—there have been instances where the commission has acted even after complaints were retracted.”
Moreover, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) remains vigilant regarding gambling entities’ compliance. Recently, Unibet faced penalties exceeding AU$1 million for neglecting to deactivate accounts that were registered with BetStop, Australia’s self-exclusion program aimed at protecting vulnerable gamblers.
### The State of Gambling in Australia
Australians are gambling in record numbers, losing over AU$25 billion annually. Notably, the country ranks third worldwide in online gambling participation, with 21.2% of its population engaging in online gaming activities. Despite the absence of explicit legalization, Australian players are increasingly accessing offshore operators, often circumventing restrictive local regulations.
Burns continues to pursue his complaint against BetNation and BetDeluxe with the NTRWC, contributing to the ongoing discourse surrounding responsible gambling and the accountability of regulated operators.
### Conclusion
As the gambling industry evolves, impeccable compliance with responsible gambling practices must be prioritized. Stakeholders must advocate for the protection of vulnerable individuals to ensure a balanced and secure gambling environment in Australia. The unfolding narrative around Gordon Burns underscores the pressing need for systemic reforms and effective oversight to uphold ethical standards within the sector.
