The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has completed six investigations into licensed wagering providers and found breaches of the rules that govern BetStop, the national self-exclusion register designed to reduce gambling harm.
According to the regulator, Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, Picklebet and BetChamps failed to comply with obligations intended to prevent self-excluded individuals from gambling or receiving promotional material. The facts differed across the investigations, although breaches included allowing self-excluded people to open accounts, access wagering services or receive marketing.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said such failures undermined the protections that self-exclusion is intended to provide. She said people who make the decision to block themselves from gambling expect the system to work and are let down when operators do not follow the rules.
The investigations found deficiencies in systems and processes, with providers failing to adequately identify and protect individuals who had self-excluded. In response, the ACMA has applied a range of enforcement measures under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Betfocus, LightningBet and TempleBet have each received remedial directions that require them to commission independent audits of their systems and implement resulting recommendations. These directions are legally binding. Failure to comply can lead to civil penalties.
Tabcorp paid a penalty of AU$112,680 (US$74,000) and agreed to a court-enforceable undertaking that commits the operator to a third-party review of its customer verification processes and additional staff training. The undertaking can be enforced in the Federal Court if breached.
BetChamps has been issued with a formal warning, while enforcement action for Picklebet is being finalised. All contraventions occurred in 2024.
The ACMA said future breaches may lead to stronger enforcement, including potential Federal Court proceedings to seek civil penalties.
BetStop has been in place for more than two years and is intended to block self-excluded individuals from all licensed online and telephone wagering services
