The Australian federal government has announced the launch of the country’s first national self-exclusion program for gamblers, BetStop.
The new program allows Australians to self-exclude from all licensed forms of online and telephone-based wagering services on a national level. People that join the program will not be allowed to open any new account or place wagers through existing accounts while betting companies will be prohibited from sending marketing materials of any description to the individual.
Those that wish to join the program can choose to self-exclude for a period of their choosing ranging from a minimum of three months to a lifetime exclusion. The program is free of charge and registration is a single interaction process.
As part of the program’s rollout, all betting providers must promote BetStop on their websites and in mobile betting apps. They must also include details of the program in any marketing material sent to customers.
Meanwhile, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched an awareness campaign to promote BetStop.
The ACMA will also be responsible for regulating BetStop, while IXUP Limited is responsible for operating the program.
Alongside the launch of BetStop, the Australian government has introduced mandatory customer pre-verification. This requires that betting providers verify a customer’s identity for any new account before they can place a bet. Previously, customers had a 72 hour window when opening a new account before they needed to verify their identity. Problem gambling support groups argued that this window of time allowed problem gamblers to open accounts and gamble even when self-excluding.
Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland said:
“The Albanese Government is committed to minimising gambling harms for vulnerable Australians. That’s why I am pleased the National Self-Exclusion Register has officially launched.
BetStop will change lives for the better, giving Australians most at-risk of gambling harm the support they need to self-exclude from interactive licensed wagering.
BetStop is the last of 10 measures to be implemented under the National Consumer Protection Framework for online wagering.
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth added:
“With the introduction of BetStop, all measures under the National Consumer Protection Framework will be realised, with significant action delivered by our Government in just over a year.
These measures will help to minimise the harm we see as a result of online gambling. For many people, it will change their lives.
We know minimising the harm caused by online gambling is not a set and forget exercise and I look forward to working with my state and territory counterparts on what comes next to continue this positive change.”
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.
