TLDR
- BetStop has recorded 67,480 registrations since its launch three years ago
- 41,290 exclusions remained active as of July 31, over 60% of all signups
- Registered users are blocked from betting and marketing across all licensed operators
- 78% of registrants are under 40, and 38% chose a lifetime exclusion
- An independent review has led ACMA to form a taskforce for improvements
Australia’s national gambling self-exclusion register has passed a new milestone. BetStop has recorded 67,480 registrations since it launched three years ago, according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
BetStop lets people block themselves from all licensed online and telephone wagering services in Australia. This happens through one single registration, rather than contacting each betting company on its own.
As of July 31, 41,290 exclusions remained active. That means more than 60% of everyone who signed up was still excluded at that date.
The rest had either completed their chosen exclusion period or ended it early. ACMA tracks both figures as part of its oversight of the system.
How Exclusion Works
Once an exclusion is active, wagering providers cannot let that person place bets. They also cannot let the person open a new betting account.
Operators are also banned from sending direct marketing to anyone currently excluded. This rule applies for the full length of the exclusion period.
People can choose how long their exclusion lasts. Options range from three months up to a lifetime ban.
The system covers every Australian-licensed interactive wagering provider. This gives users one method to limit their access across the whole regulated betting market.
Who Is Using BetStop
ACMA data shows that 78% of BetStop registrants are under the age of 40. This age group makes up most of the people using the register.
A further 38% of all registrants chose a lifetime exclusion. That means their registration has no fixed end date.
The figures show many users are picking the longest option available. ACMA has not released a more detailed breakdown of registrants by specific age group.
The active exclusion count only reflects users whose restrictions were still in place on July 31. The total registration figure also includes people whose exclusions have already ended or been cancelled.
An independent review released earlier this year looked at how BetStop is performing. It found the register was delivering benefits to Australians affected by online gambling.
The review also pointed to areas where the service could improve. It called for greater public awareness of BetStop and a better user experience for people signing up.
The review further recommended stronger support pathways for people using the register. This covers both how people access the system and what help is available once they do.
ACMA has set up a BetStop Taskforce in response to these findings. The taskforce will work on the review’s recommendations and consult with stakeholders on future changes.
As it stands, more than 67,000 people have registered with BetStop over the past three years. Of those, over 41,000 exclusions remained active at the end of July, and ACMA’s taskforce is now focused on strengthening support and improving the register going forward.
