ACMA nears launch of BetStop across all Australian states

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced major progress on the development and launch of a national self-exclusion registry for Australian gambling. 

The launch of a self-exclusion registry was announced last June, as a headline initiative of the ACMA’s 2022 roadmap to provide new safeguards for consumer protections for Australia’s digital and telecoms sectors.  

Authorised as a federal agency, the ACMA has been granted the right to set unified standards for Australia’s six territorial states related to gambling activities.

This week, ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin, revealed that Australia’s unified self-exclusion registry would be named BetStop as the registry’s outstanding technical arrangements are finalised. 

Under new rules, online gambling operators will be required to promote BetStop through their website, apps and marketing – adopted as a licensing requirement across all Australian states.  

“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.” – the ACMA statement reads.

The in-bound self-exclusion registry will be supported by Australia’s National Gambling Helpline of 1800 858 858 and the Gambling Help Online portal.

Commenting on developments, O’Loughlin said: “BetStop will be up and running in the coming months. It is now time for the industry to get ready and to have their systems and processes in place to protect their customers and use BetStop.“

“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.”