BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register for online wagering, is now available.
BetStop - the National Self-Exclusion Register allows people to voluntarily self-exclude from all Australian licensed interactive wagering service providers (online and telephone based) for a minimum of 3 months, up to a lifetime, by registering free-of-charge and in a single transaction.
Australians wanting to register or seeking more information can visit www.betstop.gov.au.
Once someone registers, licensed interactive wagering service providers will be unable to open an account or accept a bet from them, or send them marketing material.
Wagering service providers must promote the register, including on their websites and apps, and via marketing material to customers. A public awareness campaign will be run by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to promote the register.
There are offence provisions and penalties under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to ensure wagering service providers comply with the rules.
BetStop - the National Self-Exclusion Register is the final measure of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering. Two other measures – consistent gambling messaging and training for wagering staff – came into effect on 30 March of this year.
The ACMA will be responsible for regulating the register, which is operated by IXUP Limited. The BetStop system has been subject to extensive testing and trialling, to ensure it provides a secure and trusted environment for people who self‑exclude.
Complementing the launch of the register, the Australian Government will also introduce mandatory customer pre-verification, requiring wagering service providers to verify a customer’s identity when they register for a new account and before they can place a bet.
This will replace the existing requirement to verify a customer’s identity within 72 hours, and enhances protection for underage or newly registered individuals who have self-excluded through the register.
This requirement is expected to be in place by the end of September 2023.
The 2 measures – BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register and customer pre-verification – form part of the government’s ongoing commitment to harm minimisation. They build on the government’s decision to ban the use of credit cards for online wagering, and strengthen classification of gambling-like features in video games, including loot boxes and simulated gambling.
For more information or to register, visit: www.betstop.gov.au
Find out more:
- Read the Minister’s media release
- Visit the ACMA website
- Read the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering