Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), the independent peak body for Australian-licensed wagering service providers, has announced a major new appointment. The organization said that it will welcome the experienced Kai Cantwell as its new chief executive officer.
Cantwell will join the company on April 17, 2023, bringing a wealth of experience to the team. Cantwell has distinguished himself as a skillful leader in service delivery and policy development in both the public and private sectors. He has led large and diverse teams through major transformations without losing the public’s trust.
In addition to his experience in senior leadership roles, Cantwell is familiar with Australian law and regulations. He has previously served the cloud tech specialist Oracle in the capacity of its senior public sector adviser.
His earlier experience, moreover, includes more than ten years in the federal government. This included a tenure as the NSW/ACT State Manager in the Commonwealth Department of Social Services.
Cantwell has additional experience in social policy and service delivery, having served as the chief of staff of federal ministers. He was also instrumental in the coordination, development and implementation of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Gambling.
Cantwell joins RWA as Australia continues to scrutinize and debate the future of gambling regulation and sustainability.
Cantwell Is Looking Forward to Leading RWA
Nick Minchin AO, chair of Responsible Wagering Australia, welcomed Cantwell on board, praising the new appointee’s leadership excellence. Minchin said that the new CEO has all the skills required to lead the body, which is why he is trusted by the organization’s members.
His deep understanding of social policy, sports, wagering and Government position him perfectly to lead RWA and its members as we continue to promote socially responsible wagering and advocate for the highest standards in the sector.
Nick Minchin, chair, RWA
Cantwell also shared his sentiments on joining RWA, saying that he is honored to be able to join its team. He said that he is looking forward to leading the company and driving further understanding of problem gambling.
I am honored to have the opportunity to work with RWA members, sporting and racing bodies, and governments of all levels to ensure we continue to get the balance right between protections, regulation and freedoms.
Kai Cantwell, to-be-CEO, RWA
RWA is one of the main promoters of responsible gambling and increased industry standards in Australia. Its members support 32,000 jobs across the country, paying almost AUD 2 billion in annual taxes and contributing as much as AUD 6 billion to the local economy.
In other news, the Northern Territory Racing Commission recently criticized BetStop, a new self-exclusion scheme in Australia, for its questionable efficiency.