Australia’s BetStop National Self-Exclusion Register has been honoured with the Regulatory Excellence Award by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). The award, which celebrates innovative regulatory solutions worldwide, acknowledges BetStop as a milestone in protecting vulnerable Australians from the negative impacts of gambling. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), responsible for the programme’s development and oversight, received the award during IAGR’s global regulators conference. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin , attributing BetStop’s success to the dedication and hard work of ACMA staff. “BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register represents a significant enhancement of consumer safeguards available to Australians who gamble,” she shared, stressing that the award is a testament to the collaborative efforts behind the initiative. O’Loughlin noted that more than 30,000 Australians have already opted to exclude themselves from online gambling platforms. This system allows registered individuals to take proactive steps to curb their gambling behaviour, an approach O’Loughlin calls “a vital consumer safeguard.” Matthew Anderson, representing ACMA at the award ceremony, accepted the honour from IMGL President Quirino Mancini and IAGR Vice President Sarah Kelly. This recognition not only underscores the innovative regulatory approach but also highlights the technical challenges the team has overcome to establish Australia’s first centralised self-exclusion register. “This acknowledgment by an esteemed international body validates the perseverance and forward-thinking strategies employed to launch BetStop and protect Australians from gambling harms,” Anderson noted.

A strong start

In the 12 months since its launch, BetStop has shown impressive reach, with around 80 percent of registrants under the age of 40 and almost 40 percent opting for lifetime exclusion. The straightforward registration process, requiring only basic identification like a driver’s licence or Medicare card, has facilitated enrolment, with most users completing the process in under five minutes. O’Loughlin also pointed out that the large number of younger participants signals an increased awareness among this demographic about the risks associated with gambling. Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland described BetStop’s early success as a “transformational” step that has made “a meaningful difference” in the lives of thousands. Rowland stressed the government’s commitment to protecting individuals from gambling harm, noting, “The rapid uptake of BetStop shows that Australians recognise its importance in supporting a safe and responsible gaming environment.”

BetStop’s broader impact

BetStop’s influence extends beyond individual users. A recent study suggested that lifetime registrations alone could result in a cost saving of between $80 million and $135 million in BetStop’s first operational year, revealing the programme’s potential for reducing societal costs associated with gambling harms. Rowland explained that protecting vulnerable Australians is a “priority for this government,” adding, “Preventing and reducing online gambling harms requires continued collaboration with stakeholders across government, industry, and community sectors.”

Launch of regulatory review for BetStop

In compliance with the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001, which requires a review of BetStop within its first year, BetStop began its first official review on 22 October. This review aims to evaluate the programme’s effectiveness as a regulatory tool and identify areas for potential improvement. Minister Rowland has appointed Richard Eccles, an experienced public sector leader, to oversee the process. “We want to make sure BetStop is working as effectively as possible to protect vulnerable Australians from gambling harms – which is why my department is undertaking this review,” Rowland explained.

The review will analyse BetStop’s operational framework, examining whether its existing guidelines under the Interactive Gambling (National Self-Exclusion Register) Rules 2022 and the National Self-Exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Act 2019 remain robust and effective. The consultation process will invite input from individuals who have engaged with the register, ensuring that future policies are shaped by real-world experiences and needs. “This review is an opportunity to ensure that BetStop is operating effectively,” Rishworth added, encouraging public participation in the process to ensure the system remains responsive to evolving gambling trends and community needs.

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