The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) unveiled the new industry regulations for BetStop, the soon-to-be-launched registry for self-exclusion from gambling. The communications watchdog said yesterday it hopes the nationwide self-exclusion programme would serve as a powerful support mechanism for residents looking to change their betting habits.
The BetStop initiative will enable Aussie gamblers to restrict themselves from wagering on all locally licensed online and mobile betting platforms, including those for sports and horse race wagering. Residents who feel their gambling has started to become problematic will be able to exclude themselves for a minimum of three months. Lifetime exclusion will also be an option.
Interactive betting providers will be required to restrict excluded individuals’ access to their services and close down their accounts. Such persons will be unable to place wagers, open new accounts, and receive any gambling-related marketing materials. Another feature of the platform will enable problematic bettors to list up to five persons who can support them for the duration of the self-exclusion period.
Built by the data and technology company Big Village (previously called Engine Australia), the free platform is expected to launch in the coming months. The new regulations will also require licensed gambling operators to actively promote the self-exclusion programme on their websites and mobile applications as well as in their marketing materials.
A Single Exclusion to Block Access across All Licensed Sites
Nerida O’Loughlin, ACMA’s Chair and Agency Head, is confident the new initiative will enable those at risk of harm to gain greater control over their gambling habits. O’Loughlin highlighted the process would be made simpler for such people since a single exclusion would block them from accessing all locally licensed online and mobile betting services.
The ACMA Chair urged industry stakeholders and gambling operators to start working on their internal systems and operational processes in preparation for the registry’s launch. Industry participants must actively work to ensure the effectiveness of the programme once it becomes available to Aussie gamblers, O’Loughlin stressed.
Gamblers looking to uproot their problematic habits should also start exploring how the upcoming registry could help them make better choices in regard to betting, the ACMA Chair concluded. Until BetStop launches, problem gamblers can seek help via the national gambling helpline (1800 858 858) or request exclusion directly from the betting operators.
The communications regulator has considerably strengthened the efforts it invests in the combat against illegal and problem gambling. As Casino Guardian reported in mid-June, ACMA recently busted the illegal gambling platform thepokies.net after multiple local users complained about its shady practices.
Shortly after local ISPs suspended the access to thepokies.net, ACMA moved to add several other illegal domains to its constantly expanding list of blocked illegal platforms. Among those were Robin Roo, Lucky Tiger Casino, Casino Rocket, Rich Palms, and Pokie Island. The communications watchdog has ordered the ISP blocks of over 550 illegal gambling sites since late 2019.
- Author
Daniel Williams
