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Australia’s national gambling self-exclusion register has recorded 67,480 registrations since its launch 3 years ago, according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Known as BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register allows people to block themselves from all licensed online and telephone wagering services in Australia through a single registration.
ACMA said 41,290 exclusions remained active as of July 31. This means more than 60% of all registrations were still in effect at that date, while other users had completed their selected exclusion period or ended it earlier.
Betting Access Blocked During Exclusion
When an exclusion is active, wagering providers cannot allow the registered person to place bets or open new accounts. Operators are also prohibited from sending direct marketing communications to the person during the exclusion period.
Users can select an exclusion lasting from 3 months to a lifetime. The system covers all Australian-licensed interactive wagering providers, giving individuals a single way to restrict access across the regulated online and telephone betting market.
The register was introduced to provide a national self-exclusion mechanism for people seeking to stop using licensed wagering services. Its operation is overseen by ACMA, which also monitors the framework and its providers.
Younger Users Make Up Most Registrants
ACMA data showed that 78% of BetStop registrants were under the age of 40. A further 38% had chosen lifetime exclusion, meaning their registration was not limited to a fixed period.
The figures show that a substantial share of users selected the longest available exclusion option. They also indicate that BetStop has been used by many people below the age of 40, although the data does not provide a further breakdown of registrants by age group.
The register’s active exclusions represent only the users whose selected restrictions remained in place as of July 31. Registration totals include people whose exclusion periods may have ended or who may have cancelled their exclusion early.
Review Calls For Improvements
An independent review released earlier this year found that BetStop was delivering benefits to Australians affected by online gambling. It also identified areas where the service could be improved.
The review called for greater public awareness, a better user experience, and stronger support pathways for people using the register. The recommendations cover both how people access BetStop and the assistance available to those who choose to exclude themselves.
ACMA has established a BetStop Taskforce to implement the review’s recommendations and consult stakeholders on future changes. The task force will focus on strengthening support for registrants and improving the overall operation of the self-exclusion system.
National Protection System Continues
The latest figures show that BetStop has become an established part of Australia’s online wagering protection framework after 3 years of operation. More than 67,000 people have registered, while over 41,000 exclusions remained active at the end of July.
The register continues to prevent licensed wagering providers from accepting bets, opening accounts, or sending direct marketing to excluded users. ACMA’s taskforce will now work on the improvements identified in the independent review as the regulator continues developing the system.
The future changes are expected to focus on awareness, user experience, support pathways, and the way the register assists people who choose to restrict their wagering access.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief
