Puntaa Pty Ltd, trading as Picklebet, has been ordered to pay AU$19,800 (US$13,886) for providing wagering services to an individual registered with the self-exclusion platform, Betstop.
According to Australian self-exclusion rules, once a person registers with the service, betting companies are strictly not permitted to accept the user on the platform.
The self-exclusion breach was discovered by an investigation conducted by the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA).
From 1 January 2027, changes to the Interactive Gambling Act strengthening Betstop will substantially increase penalties for such breaches.
According to the ACMA, the changes include restrictions on gambling advertising on TV, online and in sports venues, along with a global opt-out register for gambling advertising.
Although these reforms were passed by the Australian Parliament in August, most will commence in the new year.
Moreover, a proposed bill by the Australian Northern Territories Parliament aims to tighten regulation for operators and increase the maximum penalty fee from AU$194,000 to AU$10m or 10% of the operator's annual revenue.
Earlier this week, South Australia's Liquor and Gambling Commissioner fined Sportsbet AU$325,000 for accepting bets on unapproved events.
Despite being able to accept bets on licensed races and other events approved by the Commissioner, Sportsbet was found to have accepted wagers on esports, UFC/MMA, LIV Golf and novelty events.
Because the company apologised and added technology to control availability by jurisdiction, the Commissioner opted against suspending or cancelling its South Australian authorisation.
Australia has also introduced legislation proposing mandatory account-based cashless gaming, accompanied by harm prevention measures, including mandatory breaks in play
