Australian Self-Exclusion Register to Launch on 21 August – BetStop
August 4, 2023 Stephen CharlesworthThe best way to ensure you follow the practices for responsible gambling in Australia is, of course, self-exclusion. This is something like a final course of action and should be used only when all else has failed, but sometimes, it is the right choice. Luckily, the AU government has announced the launch of an Australian self-exclusion register on 21 August 2023.
The AU self-exclusion register is also known as BetStop, and it will provide you with the opportunity to self-exclude from all gambling activities for at least three months. Please, find out more details in this blog post.
Details About the New Service BetStop
If you wonder what exactly is this BetStop self-exclusion from gambling that will launch on 21 August, you can continue reading this blog post for all the interesting facts and details around it. Shortly put, it lets gamblers stop their gaming activities voluntarily.
To do so, the Australian Communications and Media Authority will launch the BetStop program, which will allow you to sign up for the national self-exclusion register. It will play a major role in the socially responsible policies of the operators, as some gaming-related activities are illegal in some territories. For example, there is an NSW advertising ban for gambling operators in Australia.
The register includes all licensed interactive wagering service providers in Australia who will be required to stop offering their services to you. Here are more details about their expected actions and who can take advantage of the Australian self-exclusion register by type of gaming venue.
| Gaming Venue Type | Closing Account | No More Bets | Stop Registration | Stop Messages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Gaming Operators | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Land-Based Establishments | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Online Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| On-Course Bookmakers | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Lottery Betting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Whole Idea in Dates
- In 2019, changes were made to the Gambling Act by introducing the National Self‑Exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Bill 2019.
- Concerned regulations: Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005, Interactive Gambling Act 2001, Privacy Act 1988.
- Licensed providers of wagering services in Australia must adapt to new responsible gaming and customer protection frameworks.
- After 21 August 2023, you can directly self-exclude via BetStop without informing the gambling operators.
- The rapid growth of the gambling industry in Australia required unified nationwide responsible gaming practices.
- To avoid the use of a cooling-off period in case someone self-excludes and later has another think about it.
Note that the Australian Communications and Media Authority does not allow you to register before the BetStop launch date (21 August 2023). However, you can require to be contacted when the service commences on that date. BetStop will be another great measure to promote responsible gambling in Australia, so please, look for it among the logos at the footers of your favourite gaming website. Along with it, the Government will also introduce a mandatory customer pre-verification step as protection for underage individuals.
When to Self-Exclude from Gambling?
When you doubt whether you should sign up for the national self-exclusion program as a last resort measure or not, you can rethink your activities, expectations, and motives to gamble. The Australian programme for self-exclusion from gambling that will launch on 21 August 2023 will let you self-exclude for a minimum period of three months and does not have an expiry.
You should consider carefully whether to do it or not, and you should know how to identify compulsive gambling beforehand. Here are a few hints.
- Feeling guilt, anxiety, or depression when gambling.
- Getting nervous when you cut down on gambling.
- Strat gambling as a way to escape problems.
- Asking friends or family alike to hide your gambling habits.
- Borrowing money for gambling.
- Trying to return lost money by gambling more.
- Experiencing emotional dependence or urge to gamble.
- Imposed deposit/withdrawal limits are often violated.
- Thinking about gambling constantly.
Overall, there are many other ways to limit your gambling activities, so self-exclusion should really be a last resort measure. Anyway, if you find yourself experiencing or feeling any of the signs of gambling abuse or addiction (from the list above), please consider signing up for the AU self-exclusion register as a valid option.
Other Ways to Stop Interactive Wagering in Australia
If you really want to stop gambling in Australia, there are many ways to do so. For instance, you can always contact the national gambling helpline or search for information on Gambling Help Online. There are also several existing State/territory self-exclusion programs, such as BetCare. You can find out more recommendations in the next list.
| 🛑 Tabcorp BetCare Program | A voluntary program for self-exclusion from gambling that covers various TAB establishments in Victoria and NSW. |
| 🛑 Gambling Help Online (GHO) | A community portal that offers information about self-exclusion and that can be accessed 24/7 via live chat, email, and other methods. |
| 🛑 GamBlock | This service uses additional instalments and algorithms to prevent online casino access. |
| 🛑 Gamban | A mobile app that can be installed on your iOS or Android device to prevent it from accessing gambling content. |
| 🛑 Northern Territory Racing Commission | A program that offers self-exclusion from a licensed gambling venue in the Northern Territory, for up to 2 years. |
| 🛑 National Gambling Helpline | You can always contact the helpline on 1800 858 858 for you or if you know somebody who needs help as well. |
These, including the national self-exclusion register that will commence operating on 21 August, are part of the National Consumer Protection Framework. It was launched by the federal, state and territory governments in November 2018. It is a major try to ensure a safer gaming environment and promote responsible gambling in Australia.
FAQ
Here are the most important questions about the Australian self-exclusion register and the BetStop launch date on 21 August 2023. We tried to provide you with the best answers, so please check them out if you want to learn more.
1️⃣ How does the Australian self-exclusion register work?
Some of the most interesting details about the Australian self-exclusion register are that it is a free service set to launch on 21 August. It's a voluntary service that will restrict gambling operators from sending you marketing materials and allowing you to place bets. The operators will also close your account and will prevent you from further registration.
2️⃣ How important is the AU self-exclusion register?
There are many reasons why BetStop will be launched on 21 August. It is a very important service, part of the National Consumer Protection Framework that is set to provide a safer gambling environment in Australia. Other measures that will be introduced include customer pre-verification and a ban on credit cards for online wagering.
3️⃣ How to know if an AU operator offers the services of BetStop?
You will be able to find the logo of BetStop on the footer of the website and the mobile app of each licensed gaming operator in Australia. They can also send you marketing materials and ACMA will introduce BetStop via a promotional public campaign. However, it is always recommended to know beforehand when self-exclusion from AU gambling operators is required.
4️⃣ Is BetStop the only way to self-exclude from gambling in Australia?
No, there are many other self-exclusion methods from gambling in Australia, including BetCare, GamBlock, or the National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858. They depend on the State/territory in which you are, but the Australian self-exclusion register BetStop will be launched as a nationwide program.
5️⃣ Can I be removed from the Australian self-exclusion program?
Yes, you can be removed from the register only via application. However, one of the main details of the Australian self-exclusion register is that you sign in for a minimum period of three months. So, you can apply after the initial three months of the self-exclusion period.