BETSTOP – the National Self-Exclusion Register – has reached its first anniversary with over 28,000 self-exclusions.
Australians are able to self-exclude from all online wagering services for a minimum of three months up to a lifetime, through a single registration in a quick and easy online process.
Under the BetStop scheme, wagering companies cannot open an account or accept a bet from people who have self-excluded and cannot send them marketing material.
Since starting in August 2023, more than 28,000 Australians have registered with BetStop – and nearly 40 per cent have opted for self-imposed lifetime bans.
Younger Australians make up the vast majority of registrants, with nearly 80 per cent aged 40 and under.
Gambling harms can range from financial hardship, relationship or psychological issues to serious legal and health issues.
BetStop forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to minimise online gambling harms in Australia. Other actions already taken include:
• Legislating a ban on the use of credit cards for online wagering – so that Australians cannot gamble with money they don’t have.
• Implementing monthly activity statements so Australians who gamble online can clearly see their wins and losses each month
• Mandating customer ID pre-verification for all new online wagering accounts to prevent children from gambling and strengthen protections for BetStop registrants
• Introducing mandatory minimum classifications for gambling-like content in computer games, commencing in September 2024
• Replacing the ineffective ‘Gamble Responsibly’ message on wagering advertising with new, evidence-based taglines with stronger messages about the risks and harms of online gambling
• Introducing nationally consistent staff training, and
• Commencing a review into the regulation of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries.
The Government will commence a statutory review of BetStop to consider whether the regulatory framework is fit for purpose.
The review will involve a public consultation process, with a report to be provided to the Minister for Communications within 18 months, which will be tabled in both Houses of Parliament.
The Government will consider any recommendations on the future of the BetStop legislative framework following the completion of the review. Further details about the review will be announced soon.
Furthering the work undertaken to date, the Government is tackling the harms that can be experienced through gambling by developing a comprehensive response to the House of Representatives Inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm.
Registering for BetStop is quick and easy: www.betstop.gov.au
