Australia’s BetStop Wins International Award for Gambling Self-Exclusion Initiative

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been honored with the Regulatory Excellence Award at the 2024 International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) conference for the successful launch of BetStop, Australia’s National Self-Exclusion Register. BetStop, which allows Australians to self-exclude from online and phone gambling, is the country’s first centralized exclusion system, representing a major milestone in consumer protection within the gambling sector.

BetStop was established to provide a safe, accessible platform for Australians to make informed decisions about their gambling habits. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin commended the ACMA team’s dedication and collaborative efforts, noting, “BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register represents a significant enhancement of consumer safeguards available to Australians who gamble.” She highlighted that the IAGR award acknowledges the considerable work required to deliver such an impactful regulatory tool.

The initiative has already made a noticeable difference, with over 30,000 Australians enrolled as of its first anniversary in August. This milestone, according to O’Loughlin, underscores BetStop’s role in supporting individuals who wish to control or reduce their gambling activities.

Data released to mark BetStop’s first year in operation shows that younger Australians are especially proactive in utilizing the self-exclusion option. Nearly half of BetStop’s registrants are aged 30 and under, while approximately 80% are 40 and under. This uptake among younger demographics highlights a growing awareness of responsible gambling practices and the importance of setting personal boundaries in gambling.

O’Loughlin noted that these figures reflect BetStop’s reach and effectiveness in promoting healthier gambling habits. By providing a straightforward self-exclusion process, BetStop has become an accessible and essential tool for those seeking to moderate their gambling engagement.

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BetStop’s streamlined registration process enables users to self-exclude with ease. Australians interested in self-exclusion can register at www.betstop.gov.au by providing basic information, such as a phone number, email address, and an identity document like a driver’s license, Medicare card, or passport. Designed for convenience, the registration process typically takes less than five minutes, making it simple for users to take this important step in safeguarding their financial and personal well-being.

The ACMA’s recognition at the IAGR conference solidifies BetStop’s status as a model for gambling regulation, encouraging other jurisdictions to consider similar systems. As BetStop continues to support Australians, the ACMA remains committed to fostering safe, responsible gambling environments across the nation.

Sources:

ACMA Takes Out International Award for Rollout of Gambling Self-Exclusion Register, acma.gov.au, October 28, 2024.