Palmerbet targeted by ACMA over self-exclusion rule breaches

• ACMA is on the move again, with another licensed wagering operator targeted by an enforcement move
• Palmerbet has been ordered to conduct a review of its compliance processes and apply recommendations over self-exclusion rule breaches
• Failure to comply would allow ACMA to take the company to a Federal Court to enact its directions

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is back with another high-profile enforcement action, as the regulator has now taken aim at Palmer Bookmaking Pty Ltd, trading as Palmerbet.

ACMA goes after Palmerbet over self-exclusion breaches

The regulator has investigated and established breaches of the licensee’s obligations under the country’s online gambling self-exclusion rules, entering into a court-enforceable undertaking with Palmerbet as a result.

According to ACMA, the operator did not close the account of a person who has been registered with BetStop, the nation’s self-exclusion program. The person registered with the self-exclusion scheme in September 2023, but the individual's account was not closed until February 2025.

Over the period, Palmerbet is said to have accepted 312 bets from the individual, with the activity continuing between December 2024 and February 2025. The regulator argued that individuals registered with BetStop ought not to be allowed to continue gambling at licensed wagering services.

ACMA has accepted an 18-month court-enforceable undertaking which will see Palmerbet conduct a comprehensive independent review of its compliance processes and ensure that any recommendations needed are implemented at once.

Palmerbet has also made sure to repay the individual their deposits through February 2025. Palmerbet must comply or face legal proceedings by ACMA in a Federal Court.

Palmerbet is not the only operator recently targeted

Earlier this month, ACMA took action against Dabble Sports Pty Ltd, trading as Dabble, issuing an AU$1,069,200 ($760,415) citing responsible gambling shortcomings.

Apart from blocking illegal gambling websites, ACMA has been looking into licensed local operators in a bid to strengthen consumer safeguards and protect vulnerable individuals.

Operators have been urged by the regulator to ensure that they maintain the highest standards of player safety and responsible play.

Image credit: Unsplash.com