Under 40s make up self-exclusion majority in Australia

The latest gambling harm prevention data from Australia show that over 28,000 Australians have turned for help to the country’s self-exclusion scheme in the first year since its inception.

First launched in August 2023 by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the national self-exclusion register BetStop allows people to self-exclude for a minimum of three months up to a lifetime ban. 

Of the 28,000 registered so far, around half are under the age of 30, while 80% are aged 40 or under. A total of 40% have chosen to self-exclude for life, while less than 20% have chosen the minimum of three months. 

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin commented: “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. 

“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.”

Any Australian who is legally allowed to gamble but wants to limit their activity can self-exclude from online and phone wagering on the BetStop website, which can be visited either on a desktop or a mobile device.