ACMA cracks down on operators for alleged self-exclusion breaches

• Australia’s gambling regulator has taken action against six licensed operators over alleged breaches of national self-exclusion rules
• ACMA claims self-excluded bettors were still able to register and gamble, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing consumer protection systems
• The enforcement includes fines, warnings, and remedial orders, signalling a tougher regulatory stance on both local and offshore operators

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has targeted six local operators for alleged breaches of the country’s self-exclusion laws.

Self-exclusion is a consumer protection measure that operators must uphold to allow bettors to limit their use of gambling services or block them outright. In Australia, there is a unified national self-exclusion register called BetStop.

Australian media regulator warns, takes action against operators over self-exclusion

According to ACMA, Tabcorp, LightningBet, Betfocus, TempleBet, PickleBet, and BetChamps have failed to comply with these mandates. According to ACMA, excluded bettors were still allowed to set up accounts and access gambling services.

In outlining the case, ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said that this ended up undermining the safety of the consumers in question, and also highlighted omissions in current consumer protection measures.

"The national self-exclusion register is designed to help people who are trying to avoid gambling services and stop gambling, but self-exclusion only works if wagering providers follow the rules," Lidgerwood explained.

"All licensed wagering providers need to be aware that the ACMA is investigating compliance and enforcing the rules. Gambling companies must have effective systems in place to ensure self-excluded people cannot gamble with them," she added.

Lidgerwood stressed the importance of self-exclusion and argued that operators must comply with these measures without fault. ACMA has addressed each case separately, directing Betfocus, LightningBet and TempleBet to take remedial action, while ordering Tabcorp Holdings to pay AU$112,680.

Offshore operators target users registered with BetStop

BetChamps has been warned against future breaches, and Picklebet still awaits the regulator’s decision.

ACMA has traditionally gone after offshore operators that target Australians without a proper license, but the regulator has also doubled down on regulating licensed operators and ensuring they comply with the country’s gambling rules.

Moreover, ACMA has been able to identify offshore and unlicensed websites that have been purposefully tailoring their marketing messages to target self-excluded players in Australia.

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