Australia Launches BetStop: A National Self-Exclusion Program for Online Gambling

The country of Australia is rolling out a new program this August known as BetStop, a national self-ban registry for internet wagering. Beginning on August 21, 2023, any individual in Australia desiring to cease online betting can utilize BetStop to place themselves on an exclusion list. This block will cover all licensed digital gaming services (encompassing all forms of online gambling) and can remain in effect for a minimum of three months, potentially extending to a lifetime.

This project has been under development for some time, with the original legislation presented in 2018. At long last, after nearly five years, Australians will have a single, user-friendly method to bar themselves from all online gaming operators nationwide.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will supervise BetStop, guaranteeing the service stays free of charge and that all private data is managed safely.

Once an individual opts for self-exclusion, gaming firms are legally bound to shut down all their accounts, prohibit them from establishing new ones, and cease sending them any promotional content or permitting them to wager.

To bolster safeguards further, the government will also implement compulsory client pre-verification in conjunction with BetStop. This signifies that online wagering providers will be mandated to confirm a customer’s identity prior to their initial bet placement.

To increase public knowledge, online gambling services will also be obligated to advertise BetStop on their websites, applications, and within their marketing materials.

Down Under, individuals seeking to conclude their lives face a stringent process. A mandatory 90-day reflection period is enforced, during which confirmation of professional consultation regarding their choice is required.

This measure follows closely behind another significant ruling: a short while ago, Australia prohibited the utilization of credit cards for internet wagering activities.