Australias fresh nationwide self-ban registry for internet and telephone wagering will be called BetStop. The announcement came earlier today from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the entity tasked with overseeing gambling within the nation.
Additionally, the ACMA unveiled a series of industry guidelines that will dictate BetStop’s functionality. These guidelines mandate that all licensed interactive gaming providers in Australia must advertise BetStop across their websites, applications, and promotional content. Furthermore, they will be obligated to verify if a prospective client is enrolled with BetStop prior to establishing an account for them. Should a customer be identified as registered, the provider will be barred from furnishing them with gambling services and must terminate their account.
BetStop will empower individuals to self-exclude from all authorized online and telephone gaming services in Australia for a duration of three months, or indefinitely. The registry is projected to be operational in the approaching months.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin stated that BetStop will serve as a crucial resource for individuals grappling with gambling-related issues. “BetStop will simplify the process for individuals to opt for self-exclusion from all licensed online and telephone gambling services,” she remarked. “It will offer a centralized point of contact for individuals seeking a respite from gambling, and it will contribute to mitigating the detrimental effects that gambling can inflict.”
Should you or someone you are acquainted with require assistance concerning gambling difficulties, kindly reach out to the National Gambling Helpline at 1800 858 858.
The Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) is issuing a reminder to the public that direct contact with gambling providers is an avenue for self-exclusion from their platforms. This serves as a viable choice while the national self-exclusion registry is under development.
During November, the ACMA implemented decisive measures against illicit online gambling platforms operating within Australia. Among these, the website thepokies.net was subject to blocking at the internet service provider level, effectively barring Australian internet users from accessing it. The ACMA estimates that this website, with a primary focus on Australian users, handled tens of thousands of dollars in wagering transactions.
