The Australian Government launched BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop) on 21 August 2023. BetStop is the tenth and final measure of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering.
Implemented by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), BetStop provides individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable to gambling harm, the opportunity to self-exclude from all Australian licensed interactive wagering services (online and telephone-based) for a minimum period of 3 months, up to a lifetime.
Once a person is registered, wagering operators are prohibited from allowing them to place a bet or open a betting account and from sending marketing material – such as emails and SMS messages – to the registered person. Wagering providers are also required to close existing betting accounts for registered individuals.
Australians wanting to register can do so by visiting the BetStop website.
Statutory Review of BetStop
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA) requires a review of BetStop after 12 months of operation to ensure it is working effectively as a measure to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling harm. The Minister for Communications has appointed Mr Richard Eccles to lead the review.
In line with statutory requirements, the review is considering the effectiveness of BetStop’s underpinning regulatory framework (Part 7B of the IGA) and whether regulatory arrangements under the Interactive Gambling (National Self-Exclusion Register) Register Rules 2022 and the National Self-Exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Act 2019 are fit for purpose.
A public consultation process will open later in 2024 on the department’s Have your say webpage, which will enable feedback to be provided that can be considered to inform any future changes.
The final report of the review will be provided to the Minister for Communications by early 2026, in line with the 18-month review timeframe defined in the IGA. The review report will be tabled in both Houses of Parliament within 15 sitting days of the Minister’s receipt and will then be published on the department’s website.