The long-mooted launch of the BetStop national self exclusion register has taken place within Australia, as the country’s government looks to heighten protections and give those most at risk of harm the support they need.
BetStop will permit individuals 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.
In addition, providers must promote the services via websites, apps and marketing materials, with the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which gains overall responsibility for Betstop, to commence with a public awareness campaign.
“The Albanese government is committed to minimising gambling harms for vulnerable Australians. That’s why I am pleased the National Self-Exclusion Register has officially launched,” commented Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communication.
“BetStop will change lives for the better, giving Australians most at-risk of gambling harm the support they need to self-exclude from interactive licensed wagering.
“BetStop is the last of 10 measures to be implemented under the National Consumer Protection Framework for online wagering.”
To complement this launch the government is to also introduce mandatory customer pre-verification, requiring providers to verify a customer’s identity when they register for a new account and before they can place a bet.
This will replace the existing 72 hours requirement, and is expected to be in place by the end of next month.
BetStop is the final measure of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering, a further pair, consistent gambling messaging and training for staff, came into effect on March 30, 2023.
Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services, commented: “With the introduction of BetStop, all measures under the National Consumer Protection Framework will be realised, with significant action delivered by our government in just over a year.
“These measures will help to minimise the harm we see as a result of online gambling. For many people, it will change their lives.
“We know minimising the harm caused by online gambling is not a set and forget exercise and I look forward to working with my state and territory counterparts on what comes next to continue this positive change.”
