Australian self-exclusion program to launch in August

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Once BetStop launches, Australians will be able to voluntarily self-exclude from all Australian licensed interactive wagering services (online and telephone-based) for a minimum period of 3 months, up to a lifetime, and free of charge.

BetStop provides Australians, particularly those who may be vulnerable to harm, the opportunity to self-exclude themselves from betting.

Once a person is registered, wagering operators are prohibited from allowing them to place a bet or open a betting account. Operators are also prevented from directly marketing – such as sending emails and SMS – to them.

Wagering operators must also promote BetStop, including on their websites and apps, through their contact centre staff, and via marketing material to customers. A public awareness campaign will be run by the ACMA to promote BetStop.

The Government will also introduce customer pre-verification requirements, which will mean individuals will not be able to place a bet until they are formally verified.

Moving to customer pre-verification ensures protection for underage or newly registered individuals who have self-excluded through BetStop from accessing online gambling services.

Following the commencement of Betstop and to support its effectiveness, online wagering service providers will have to verify a customer’s identity when they register for a new account before any wagering activity can be done.

This will replace the existing allowable maximum time of 72 hours to process verification of a customer’s identity, with the requirement for instant verification at the time an account is opened and prior to commencing any wagering activity.

BetStop is the final measure of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering (National Framework). Two other measures – consistent gambling messaging, and training for wagering staff – came into effect on 30 March of this year.