/** * Deprecated Functions of Astra Theme. * * @package Astra * @link https://wpastra.com/ * @since Astra 1.0.23 */ if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) { exit; } /** * Deprecating footer_menu_static_css function. * * Footer menu specific static CSS function. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated footer_menu_static_css() Use astra_footer_menu_static_css() * @see astra_footer_menu_static_css() * * @return string Parsed CSS */ function footer_menu_static_css() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_footer_menu_static_css()' ); return astra_footer_menu_static_css(); } /** * Deprecating is_support_footer_widget_right_margin function. * * Backward managing function based on flag - 'support-footer-widget-right-margin' which fixes right margin issue in builder widgets. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated is_support_footer_widget_right_margin() Use astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin() * @see astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin() * * @return bool true|false */ function is_support_footer_widget_right_margin() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin()' ); return astra_support_footer_widget_right_margin(); } /** * Deprecating prepare_button_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder button components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_button_defaults() Use astra_prepare_button_defaults() * @param array $defaults Button default configs. * @param string $index builder button component index. * @see astra_prepare_button_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_button_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_button_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_button_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_html_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder HTML components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_html_defaults() Use astra_prepare_html_defaults() * @param array $defaults HTML default configs. * @param string $index builder HTML component index. * @see astra_prepare_html_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_html_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_html_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_html_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_social_icon_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Social Icon components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_social_icon_defaults() Use astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults() * @param array $defaults Social Icon default configs. * @param string $index builder Social Icon component index. * @see astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_social_icon_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_social_icon_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_widget_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Widget components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_widget_defaults() Use astra_prepare_widget_defaults() * @param array $defaults Widget default configs. * @param string $index builder Widget component index. * @see astra_prepare_widget_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_widget_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_widget_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_widget_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_menu_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Menu components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_menu_defaults() Use astra_prepare_menu_defaults() * @param array $defaults Menu default configs. * @param string $index builder Menu component index. * @see astra_prepare_menu_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_menu_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_menu_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_menu_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating prepare_divider_defaults function. * * Default configurations for builder Divider components. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated prepare_divider_defaults() Use astra_prepare_divider_defaults() * @param array $defaults Divider default configs. * @param string $index builder Divider component index. * @see astra_prepare_divider_defaults() * * @return array */ function prepare_divider_defaults( $defaults, $index ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_prepare_divider_defaults()' ); return astra_prepare_divider_defaults( $defaults, absint( $index ) ); } /** * Deprecating is_astra_pagination_enabled function. * * Checking if Astra's pagination enabled. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated is_astra_pagination_enabled() Use astra_check_pagination_enabled() * @see astra_check_pagination_enabled() * * @return bool true|false */ function is_astra_pagination_enabled() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_check_pagination_enabled()' ); return astra_check_pagination_enabled(); } /** * Deprecating is_current_post_comment_enabled function. * * Checking if current post's comment enabled and comment section is open. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated is_current_post_comment_enabled() Use astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled() * @see astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled() * * @return bool true|false */ function is_current_post_comment_enabled() { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled()' ); return astra_check_current_post_comment_enabled(); } /** * Deprecating ast_load_preload_local_fonts function. * * Preload Google Fonts - Feature of self-hosting font. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated ast_load_preload_local_fonts() Use astra_load_preload_local_fonts() * @param string $google_font_url Google Font URL generated by customizer config. * @see astra_load_preload_local_fonts() * * @return string */ function ast_load_preload_local_fonts( $google_font_url ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_load_preload_local_fonts()' ); return astra_load_preload_local_fonts( $google_font_url ); } /** * Deprecating ast_get_webfont_url function. * * Getting webfont based Google font URL. * * @since 3.7.4 * @deprecated ast_get_webfont_url() Use astra_get_webfont_url() * @param string $google_font_url Google Font URL generated by customizer config. * @see astra_get_webfont_url() * * @return string */ function ast_get_webfont_url( $google_font_url ) { _deprecated_function( __FUNCTION__, '3.7.4', 'astra_get_webfont_url()' ); return astra_get_webfont_url( $google_font_url ); } Navigating the Australian Sports Betting Landscape: Trends, Risks and Opportunities – Vericonn

Navigating the Australian Sports Betting Landscape: Trends, Risks and Opportunities

By /

The Australian sports betting market has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, evolving from a niche industry dominated by traditional bookmakers to a highly regulated, tech-driven ecosystem. With a market valued at over $10 billion annually, the sector now attracts both retail punters and sophisticated investors seeking exposure to sports events across the globe. Yet beneath its glossy surface, the industry faces persistent challenges—from regulatory scrutiny to the ethical concerns surrounding underage gambling. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone looking to engage with, invest in, or simply stay informed about the sector.

The Rise of Online Platforms and Market Share Dominance

In Australia, the shift to online betting has been nothing short of revolutionary. According to the Australian Sports Bet Association, over 70 per cent of betting activity now occurs digitally, with platforms like https://draftkings-aud.com/en-au/ and Bet365 leading the charge. DraftKings, in particular, has carved out a significant niche by offering a unique blend of sportsbook betting, fantasy sports and live streaming, catering to a younger, more tech-savvy demographic. The company’s expansion into Australia, launched in 2017, has been a key driver of growth, particularly in markets like New South Wales and Victoria, where demand for live betting and in-play wagering remains high.

However, this dominance has not come without controversy. Critics argue that aggressive marketing strategies—including social media campaigns targeting young adults—have contributed to rising gambling-related harm. The industry’s reliance on high-frequency, low-stakes bets has also sparked debates about whether platforms are prioritising revenue growth over responsible practices. Despite these concerns, the market’s resilience is evident: despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on live sports, online betting volumes remained strong, with a 2023 report from the Australian Sports Bet Association showing a 15 per cent year-on-year increase in digital wagering.

Regulatory Challenges and the Fight for Licensing

The regulatory environment in Australia remains one of the most complex in the world, shaped by state-level licensing laws that vary widely. While the federal government has introduced frameworks like the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, individual states—such as New South Wales and Queensland—have their own strict licensing requirements. This fragmentation has led to a patchwork of operational constraints, with some operators struggling to navigate compliance costs and operational hurdles. For example, in 2022, a major betting company faced a temporary suspension in Victoria after failing to meet new anti-gambling advertising standards, highlighting the sector’s vulnerability to regulatory shifts.

Yet, the industry’s push for reform has gained momentum. In 2023, the Australian Government proposed a national gambling licensing system, aiming to standardise operations and reduce the risk of underage gambling. This move comes amid growing public pressure, with advocacy groups like Gambling Reform Australia calling for stricter age verification measures and mandatory self-exclusion programs. The debate reflects a broader tension between the industry’s need for stability and the government’s desire to protect consumers from harm.

  • Online betting now accounts for 70 per cent of total betting activity in Australia.
  • DraftKings Australia reported a 30 per cent increase in fantasy sports participation in 2023.
  • Victoria suspended a major betting operator in 2022 due to advertising compliance failures.
  • The Australian Sports Bet Association estimates the sector’s annual revenue at over $10 billion.
  • Live betting volumes surged by 25 per cent during the pandemic, despite reduced live sports attendance.

Fantasy Sports: The New Frontier

One of the most disruptive trends in recent years has been the growth of fantasy sports, where players create virtual teams and compete to win prizes based on real-world performance. Platforms like DraftKings have capitalised on this trend, offering fantasy leagues that span from cricket and rugby to American football and basketball. The appeal lies in the accessibility of fantasy sports—players can start with as little as $10 and compete against friends or strangers, making it an attractive alternative to traditional betting. However, the rise of fantasy sports has also raised questions about whether it blurs the line between gambling and entertainment, particularly when players engage in excessive participation.

Data from the Australian Sports Bet Association suggests that fantasy sports participation has more than doubled since 2019, with a significant portion of users being under 35. This demographic shift has led some regulators to scrutinise whether fantasy sports should be classified under gambling laws. The debate is far from settled, but one thing is clear: the intersection of fantasy sports and betting is here to stay, and operators will need to navigate this space carefully to avoid regulatory backlash.

The Future: Innovation and Responsibility

The next few years will likely see the sports betting industry in Australia continue to evolve, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviour. The integration of artificial intelligence for better odds prediction, the expansion of cryptocurrency betting, and the push for more immersive live streaming experiences are all on the horizon. Yet, for the industry to thrive sustainably, it must prioritise responsible gambling practices. This includes investing in consumer protection measures, such as real-time betting limits and better mental health support, while also fostering transparency in advertising.

For investors and punters alike, the key will be to stay informed and adapt to these changes. The market’s complexity means that those who understand the regulatory landscape, the technological trends and the ethical considerations will be best positioned to capitalise on opportunities while mitigating risks. As the industry continues to grow, the balance between innovation and responsibility will be the defining factor in its success.

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