Tabcorp and Lottoland have been given 20 year licences to sell keno online. Yes, that Lottoland!
Here is the government press release:
23rd Feb 2022
Tabcorp And Lottoland Awarded Victoria’s Keno Licences
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne today announced Victoria’s Keno licences have been granted to Tabcorp and Lottoland after a competitive tender process.
The two licensees will be able to provide Keno online for the first time, as well as through traditional retail outlets, backed by harm minimisation and consumer protection measures.
The two-licence model provides consumers with a greater choice and is better for business. It allows distributor venues to benefit from competition and innovation as it removes a one licensee monopoly on the market.
Tabcorp and Lottoland will both be authorised to conduct and distribute the game of Keno in eligible hotels, clubs, wagering outlets and electronically throughout Victoria.
Stronger harm minimisation and consumer protection measures will also be introduced to help promote responsible gambling for those who choose to play Keno in Victoria.
These measures come after the Government conducted a robust review into the future of Keno in Victoria, consulting with industry, community and government stakeholders.
Under the changes, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation can issue harm minimisation directions to both Victorian and interstate Keno game providers when providing Keno to people in Victoria.
The directions will focus on key areas such as incentives, direct marketing, account closure, deposit limits, activity statements, responsible gambling messaging and maximum draw frequency.
Harm minimisation directions will be based on the National Consumer Protection Framework (NCPF) for online wagering, with additional elements to support online Keno specifically.
Applications for the new licences were assessed against a number of criteria, including corporate and individual probity, as well as the economic benefits to the state.
The 20-year licence will commence on 15 April 2022 after the current licence, awarded to Tabcorp in 2012, expires.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne
“The industry has changed significantly since 2012, with new technologies and new online market entrants, so we have updated the Keno licence to allow for a more modern approach.”
“These changes will benefit businesses, while also ensuring stronger harm minimisation and consumer protection measures are in place so those who play Keno in Victoria can gamble responsibly.”
Hmm, I’m not sure how the changes benefit current lottery retailers.
Lottery Daily has their take on this:
Tabcorp and Lottoland have been awarded dual 20-year licences to offer Keno games in the Australian state of Victoria.
The new licences, which take effect from 15 April 2022 and run to 2042, are a return to the pre-2012 structure of two authorised operators in the Australian state, before Tabcorp’s 10-year exclusivity.
While Tabcorp’s current licence only covers retail, the new agreement also stretches to cover digital services after the company paid an up-front fee of $25m.
Sue van der Merwe, Managing Director of Lotteries & Keno at Tabcorp, commented: “Tabcorp is pleased to continue its partnership with the Victorian Government, with the longer term and expanded channel flexibility offered under this licence.
“The new structure will allow us to continue offering Victorian players a world class Keno product and responsibly grow the game further, backed by our extensive retail and brand presence and the expertise gained from our existing Keno online business.”
Lottoland also shared its enthusiasm over the deal as it announced its online platform KenoGo is gearing up for launch.
Nigel Birrell, CEO of Lottoland, added: “We are thrilled to have been granted a Keno licence by the Victoria State Government and look forward to launching KenoGo in 2022.
“I would like to personally thank the Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne, and the Victorian State Government for awarding the first dual licence in Australia.
“Most importantly, this licence means that consumers in Victoria will be able to enjoy Keno online on their smartphone or computer for the first time ever, with new gaming experiences and greater choice through Lottoland.”
The move to award dual licences follows the Victorian government’s Keno Licence Review and subsequent invitation to apply for a Keno licence process.
My view is there is no upside trend for over the counter lo9ttery purchases. yes, I understand big jackpots, l like tonight’s $120M Powerball will spike traffic, but not as much as they used to … because … online.
I wonder what impact “The Lottery Office” has had on lotto retailers…