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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released findings from its investigations into four operators, revealing violations of the country’s self-exclusion laws.
Buddybet, Ultrabet, VicBet, and Topbet were found to have breached rules designed to protect individuals registered with BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER).
According to the media watchdog, Buddybet failed to close accounts for those on the NSER and even sent marketing materials to them. The company already exited the Australian gaming market last October.
Meanwhile, Ultrabet reopened an account for a user at the end of their self-exclusion period, allowing them to place bets again. The investigation also showed that Ultrabet sent marketing communications to another self-excluded individual.
NSER regulations mandate betting providers to close accounts of registered users and leave them closed until the user decides to resume gambling. Operators are also required to cease any electronic marketing communications to self-excluded individuals.
The ACMA said it has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Ultrabet, committing the company to review its compliance systems and implement necessary improvements.
VicBet and Topbet Also Receive Warnings
After separate investigations, the ACMA has also issued formal warnings to online bookmakers VicBet and Topbet for breaching the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER) marketing rules. Both companies were found to have sent marketing materials to individuals who had chosen to self-exclude from gambling.
Carolyn Lidgerwood, a member of the ACMA, highlighted the serious implications of these violations.
“Wagering providers should know their obligations under the rules and know that we are enforcing them. The rules about account closure must be complied with,” Lidgerwood stated.
“People on the NSER have made a conscious effort to exclude themselves from online gambling services. Sending gambling marketing messages to people who are trying to stop gambling is unacceptable.
“Betting services must have systems in place that respect the decisions of people to self-exclude, or face further consequences.”
Source: AMCA
