The Australian Communications and Media Authority has announced that the country’s national gambling self-exclusion register, which will be known as BetStop, has moved “one step closer”.
This comes as the government authority releases an array of industry rules for a self-exclusion register that will prohibit access to online and phone gambling.
BetStop will allow people to register to be excluded from all Australian licensed online and phone wagering services, such as those offering betting on horse racing or sports, from three months to permanently.
Under the rules, interactive wagering providers will also be required to promote BetStop through their website, apps and marketing.
Furthermore, the rules also detail how wagering providers can find out if their customers are registered with the service. Should that be the case, the provider must stop offering them wagering services and close their account.
Last month, the ACMA lauded a “major step forward” after tasking Big Village (formerly known as Engine Australia) to deliver the self exclusion project.
Nerida O’Loughlin, ACMA Chair, noted that BetStop will be an important national support mechanism for people who want to change their gambling habits.
“BetStop will help those at risk of gambling harm to take control of their situation, allowing them to block themselves from all licensed online and phone wagering services in a single process,” she added.
“BetStop will be up and running in the coming months. It is now time for industry to get ready and to have their systems and processes in place to protect their customers and use BetStop.
“People who want to change their gambling habits can also start exploring whether Betstop can play a role to help them make those choices.”
Yesterday, the ACMA The ACMA requested that Australian internet service providers block yet more illegal offshore gambling websites that have been found to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
This latest round of blocks included Pokie Island, Rich Palms, Lucky Tiger Casino, Megaslot, Bitkingz, Parimatchwin, Casino Rocket, Montecryptos, Cabarino, Jackpot Jill VIP and Robin Roo.
