Six leading members of Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) in the country have announced a collective commitment of over AU$3.0m to provide support for financial counselling services over the next three years. Bet365, Betfair, Entain, PointsBet, Sportsbet, and Unibet have all pledged funding to ensure that Australians have access to financial counselling when needed.
This funding is part of a broader effort to support Australians with their financial well-being. RWA has collaborated with the government, the financial counselling sector, and other industries such as banking, energy, and insurance to establish a not-for-profit organization that will distribute the funds starting next year.
RWA CEO Kai Cantwell praised the commitment of its members, stating that it sets the industry standard for keeping customers safe. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that customers can gamble in a safe environment and have access to tools to control their gambling behavior. Cantwell also stressed that financial counselling is crucial, especially as Australians deal with increasing cost of living pressures.
The aim of the funding from RWA members is to allow more people to access specialist financial counselling services in Australia. Cantwell highlighted the importance of financial counselling in helping individuals manage their current financial situation and develop long-term financial skills for all areas of life.
RWA is dedicated to working with the government and industry to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative. Cantwell also expressed hope that other industries will follow RWA’s lead and contribute to this scheme, reinforcing the collective commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Australians and providing vital support to those who need assistance managing their financial circumstances.