Public servant Richard Eccles will lead a review into the effectiveness of BetStop, Australia’s national self-exclusion register, more than 12 months after the government initiative was first implemented.
Overseen by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, BetStop prohibits the nation’s licensed online wagering service providers from opening a new account or accepting bets from self‑excluded individuals, or sending them marketing material.
Wagering providers are also required to close existing betting accounts for registered individuals.
More than 30,000 Australians have registered for BetStop since its inception in August 2023, with 79 percent of registrants aged under 40. About 23,000 individuals currently have active exclusions in place.
Bren O’Brien
Eccles will present his findings of the statutory review, which will consider the effectiveness of BetStop and whether it is fit for purpose under the current federal legislation, to Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland within 18 months.
A consultation process will open later this year calling for feedback to be considered as part of any possible changes to BetStop.
“There has been a massive take-up of BetStop in its first 12 months, making a meaningful difference and changing the lives of thousands of Australians and their families,” Rowland said.
“We want to make sure BetStop is working as effectively as possible to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling harms – which is why my department is undertaking this review.
“I encourage people who’ve registered or interacted with BetStop to participate in our upcoming public consultation so we can take on your feedback to inform any future changes.”
The timing of the review comes as the wagering industry awaits the federal government to confirm its intended changes to gambling advertising restrictions following last year’s You Win Some, You Lose More inquiry.
Based on BetStop data to date, and evidence from similar programs, the government claims lifetime registrations for BetStop could have saved punters from losing between $80 to $135 million in the first year.
“Preventing and reducing online gambling harms is a priority for this government, and we’ve taken a number of strong actions to this end,” Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said.
“This review is an opportunity to ensure that BetStop – a key measure – is operating effectively.
“Protecting vulnerable Australians from online gambling harms is not a set and forget proposition – and we’ll continue to work closely with stakeholders across government, industry and community to address this pervasive issue.”
Warwick Barr
