Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), an independent body representing Australia’s licensed online betting industry, has appointed Mr. Cantwell as its new CEO. Cantwell brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep understanding of social policy, sports, wagering, and government to the role. His appointment reflects RWA’s commitment to promoting socially responsible wagering and advocating for high standards within the sector. Cantwell aims to strike the right balance between consumer protections, effective regulation, and individual freedoms while enhancing research, data, and insights to better understand and address problem gambling behavior.
Mr. Cantwell’s Background:
Prior to joining RWA, Mr. Cantwell served as the chief of staff for Australia’s minister for families and social services from September 2017 to June 2022. He also has over six and a half years of experience with the Department of Social Services, where he held positions as a director and state manager for New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. Cantwell’s earlier career includes roles as a program manager at the Department of Human Services and tournament director for the Australian Poker League.
RWA’s Mission and Objectives:
Responsible Wagering Australia serves as the leading industry advocate for responsible gambling practices and sets high standards for the licensed online betting sector. The organization collaborates with its members, sporting and racing bodies, and governments at all levels to ensure a balanced approach between consumer protections, regulatory measures, and individual freedoms. RWA emphasizes the importance of research, data, and insights to gain a deeper understanding of problem gambling behavior and develop effective measures to address it.
Mr. Cantwell’s Vision and Goals:
As the newly appointed CEO of RWA, Mr. Cantwell expresses his honor in working with RWA members, sporting and racing bodies, and government stakeholders to achieve the right balance between protections, regulation, and freedoms. He emphasizes the need to strengthen RWA’s research, data, and insights capabilities to gain a deeper understanding of problem gambling and implement targeted and effective measures. Cantwell aims to lead RWA in presenting a confident and united voice for its members and promoting socially responsible wagering practices.
Chairman’s Endorsement:
Responsible Wagering Australia Chairman, Nick Minchin, highlights Mr. Cantwell’s wealth of leadership experience and unique position to lead RWA effectively. Cantwell’s deep understanding of social policy, sports, wagering, and government equips him to represent RWA and its members adeptly. Minchin emphasizes RWA’s commitment to promoting socially responsible wagering and advocating for the highest standards within the industry.
The appointment of Mr. Cantwell as CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia marks a significant step in advancing socially responsible gambling practices within Australia’s licensed online betting industry. Cantwell’s leadership experience, combined with his understanding of social policy and extensive involvement in the sector, position him well to lead RWA and effectively advocate for its members. RWA’s commitment to striking the right balance between protections, regulation, and individual freedoms, along with its focus on research and data-driven insights, will contribute to the ongoing promotion of responsible wagering practices and the highest industry standards.