The Australian Communications and Media Authority has announced that over 28,000 people have registered for its national online self-exclusion service BetStop since it launched in August last year.
BetStop registration allows users to self-exclude from all licensed online and mobile wagering services for a period from three months up to a lifetime.
The ACMA noted that registration to BetStop can take less than five minutes to complete, as users only need access to their phone, email address and an identity document such as a driver’s licence, Medicare card or passport.
According to the authority, of the more than 28,000 people who have decided to self-exclude, almost half were aged 30 and under, while around 80% were aged 40 and under.
In addition, approximately 40% have decided to self-exclude for life, less than 20% chose the minimum period of three months and over 14% have already extended or reactivated their self-exclusion period.
The ACMA stated that as of 21 August 2024, BetStop had around 23,000 current users.
“Online gambling can cause a great deal of harm to individuals, their families and friends, so it’s encouraging that so many people have decided to take the step and register to self-exclude,” commented ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin.
‘Younger Australians in particular are making early decisions about the role that online gambling will play in their lives.
“Many people are also choosing to nominate someone to support them. Stopping online gambling can be a difficult decision to make – having someone to support you can make the decision much easier.
“And many people are committing to long-term change, with a high percentage of people choosing to exclude for life.”