/** * 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 ); } The Rise and Regulation of Online Gambling in Australia: A Deep Dive – Vericonn

The Rise and Regulation of Online Gambling in Australia: A Deep Dive

By /

Australia’s gambling industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades, evolving from a predominantly land-based model to a highly digital-first ecosystem. With the rise of online platforms, the market has expanded exponentially, yet so too has the scrutiny from regulators and consumers alike. The industry’s shift towards digital gambling has not only reshaped how Australians engage with betting but also sparked intense debates over responsible play, financial risks, and the ethical responsibility of operators. For those interested in the current landscape, understanding the key trends and regulatory frameworks is essential—especially as the industry continues to innovate and adapt.

Market Growth and Key Players

By 2023, Australia’s online gambling market was valued at over $12 billion annually, with online betting accounting for nearly 60 per cent of total revenue. The surge in digital adoption is driven by factors like mobile accessibility, live-streamed sports betting, and the proliferation of casino-style games. Major operators, including https://www.surfcasino-au.com and Bet365, dominate the space, though smaller regional platforms also play a significant role in niche markets. The industry’s growth has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a 30 per cent increase in online gaming participation in the first half of 2020 alone.

The dominance of international operators has led to debates over local control and consumer protection. While platforms like Surf Casino have established strong footholds in Australia, many argue that foreign entities benefit from regulatory loopholes and lower taxation compared to domestic operators. This has pushed state governments to tighten licensing requirements and introduce stricter advertising restrictions to ensure fairness and transparency.

  • Online gambling now represents 60 per cent of total betting revenue in Australia.
  • Mobile betting accounts for over 40 per cent of online gaming transactions.
  • Regulatory fines for non-compliance have risen by 150 per cent since 2018.
  • Live sports betting saw a 45 per cent year-on-year increase in 2022.
  • Over 1.2 million Australians reported gambling-related harm in 2022.

Regulatory Challenges and Consumer Protections

The Australian Gambling Commission (AGC) has been at the forefront of shaping regulations, introducing measures like the Responsible Gambling Fund and mandatory self-exclusion programs. However, critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly for online platforms that operate across multiple jurisdictions. The AGC’s 2023 report highlighted that while online operators must adhere to strict licensing standards, some loopholes still allow for aggressive marketing tactics, particularly toward younger demographics.

A key concern is the lack of comprehensive data on player behaviour, which makes it difficult to implement effective harm prevention strategies. The rise of cryptocurrency betting has further complicated oversight, as platforms using blockchain technology often operate outside traditional regulatory frameworks. While some operators have embraced transparency initiatives, such as real-time loss tracking, others remain resistant to stricter accountability measures.

The Future of Online Gambling in Australia

As technology advances, the industry is likely to see further integration of AI-driven personalisation and virtual reality experiences. However, these innovations must be balanced with stronger safeguards to prevent exploitation. The government’s push for a national gambling strategy—expected to be finalised by 2025—will likely include expanded licensing rules, increased advertising restrictions, and mandatory financial limits for high-risk players. For consumers, this means greater awareness of responsible play tools and clearer information about potential risks.

The debate over Australia’s gambling future is far from settled, but one thing is clear: the industry’s growth has brought both opportunities and challenges. For those navigating the space, understanding the evolving regulations and operator practices is crucial—not just for safety, but for making informed decisions about participation.

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