Victorian-licensed ReadyBet has become the latest bookmaker to run afoul of self-exclusion rules, after an Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation found it had sent texts and push notifications self-excluded people.
BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register, was introduced in August 2023 and has over 30,000 people who have actively excluded themselves from gambling
Under the law, bookmakers can not market to these people, and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has levied several significant fines in recent months for breach of those regulations.
ReadyBet, which is licensed by Racing Victoria and the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), was found to have sent 273 texts and push notifications from its mobile app to self-excluded individuals.
It was also found to have failed to promote the NSER in 2,342 push notifications despite it being mandatory to promote BetStop in any marketing electronic messages.
Warwick Barr
Instead of levying a fine, ACMA issued the remedial direction to ensure ReadyBet takes action to prevent it breaching the rules in the future.
Under the remedial direction, ReadyBet must commission an independent review of its marketing systems, including its use of third-party suppliers and must also engage a provider to deliver training to its staff to avoid messages being sent to self-excluded individuals.
ACMA still has the option to seek civil penalties if ReadyBet does not comply with the remedial direction.
ReadyBet, launched in 2022 on the BetMakers platform, is operated by Cameron O’Brien and Mark Rhoden.
