Australia Launches Nationwide Self-Exclusion Register for Online Gamblers

Posted on: July 10, 2023, 07:52h. 

Last updated on: July 10, 2023, 11:38h.

Erik Gibbs Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Gaming Business, Global Gaming.

Australia’s looking to curtail what it believes is a major issue with online gambling in the country. In a step toward better responsible gaming, and perhaps nationwide regulations, a new self-exclusion register will soon come online.

Michelle Rowland, Australia's Communications Minister, in a recent public address
Michelle Rowland, Australia’s communications minister, in a recent public address. She’s pushing through new nationwide gambling regs, including a self-exclusion register. (Image: The Australian)

BetStop is being billed as an innovative solution to address the issue of gambling addiction, replacing a collection of state-led initiatives. Starting on August 21, the central government will unveil its comprehensive and free register, enabling individuals battling gambling addiction to register voluntarily.

The individuals will have the option of excluding themselves from online betting platforms for various durations, ranging from a minimum of three months to an indefinite period. Once listed, the exclusion will apply to all forms of online gaming.

Long Time Coming

Australia’s 150 authorized online betting enterprises will be greatly impacted. They will no longer be permitted to accept registrations or receive wagers from those on BetStop. In addition, they won’t be able to market their services and products to those on the list.

This forthcoming registration suspension is a consequence of the recently published parliamentary investigation into the reform of online gambling. Following the investigation’s proposal of a complete ban on online betting, the government is now seriously considering its implementation.

The report made it to the desk of Michelle Rowland, Australia’s communications minister, two weeks ago. She has repeatedly told the gaming industry and parliamentarians that the goal is to work through the recommendations as quickly as possible.

As the government mulls over the possible changes, BetStop will receive promotion through various channels, such as operators’ websites, betting applications, and all marketing material. In addition, prior to accepting any bets, operators must ensure the verification of a customer’s identity at the time of account creation.

In a move to bolster other betting reform initiatives, Rowland announced the elimination of the previous mandate to verify a customer’s identity within a 72-hour window. This modification, accompanied by the arrival of BetStop, aims at integrating novel cautionary messages and a conclusion to advertising practices.

Rewriting Responsible Gambling Codes

Carol Bennett, the CEO of Alliance for Gaming Reform, expressed her belief in a statement that BetStop was long overdue. She believes that Australia has tolerated a flawed system of self-imposed exclusion programs that have been poorly executed, and a central system will overcome those flaws.

Kai Cantwell, the CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), responded as well. He expressed the company’s commitment to collaborate with the government in order to effectively implement the registration process. He highlighted the role the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) plays, and stressed that it needs to “work closely with providers on load testing and ensuring there are no gaps.”

As with any gambling market, Australia’s industry has been polarizing. There are those who argue that Australians “lose” billions of dollars a year and the government needs to stop them. Then there are those who assert that consumers are enjoying a form of entertainment that allows them to spend their money where they see fit.

So far, the gambling opposition is winning, which is why the market is becoming increasingly restrictive. However, too many restrictions could have the opposite effect.

The result, as the RWA pointed out this past May, could be far worse. It could push more people to offshore gambling sites, despite the ACMA’s attempts to block them all.

Australia could lose as much as AU$3 billion (US$1.98 billion) over the next five years to the offshore segment, although the figure could ultimately be higher, as too many restrictions will possibly drive even more consumers to the unregulated market.